appendix 14 - site contamination and hazardous materials

South Station Expansion Project

Appendix 14 - Site Contamination and Hazardous Materials Technical Report

October 2014

Site Contamination and Hazardous Materials Technical Report

October 2014 South Station Expansion Massachusetts Department of Transportation

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South Station Expansion October 2014 Massachusetts Department of Transportation Page i

Table of Contents

List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................. ii

1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1

2. Summary of Findings ............................................................................................................................. 2

2.1. South Station Site .......................................................................................................................... 2

2.2. Layover Facility Sites ..................................................................................................................... 2

2.3. Next Steps ..................................................................................................................................... 3

3. Regulatory Context ............................................................................................................................... 3

4. Methodology ......................................................................................................................................... 4

5. Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................................ 5

5.1. South Station Site .......................................................................................................................... 5

5.2. Layover Facility Sites ..................................................................................................................... 8

5.2.1. Widett Circle ......................................................................................................................... 8

5.2.2. Beacon Park Yard .................................................................................................................. 9

5.2.3. Readville - Yard 2 ................................................................................................................. 11

6. Potential Impacts ................................................................................................................................ 11

6.1. South Station Site ........................................................................................................................ 11

6.2. Layover Facility Sites ................................................................................................................... 12

6.2.1. Widett Circle ....................................................................................................................... 12

6.2.2. Beacon Park Yard ................................................................................................................ 12

6.2.3. Readville - Yard 2 ................................................................................................................. 12

7. Mitigation and Next Steps .................................................................................................................. 12


October 2014 South Station Expansion Page ii Massachusetts Department of Transportation

List of Tables

Table 1—Summary of Historic Releases at USPS GMF and South Station Properties .................................. 6 Table 2—Summary of Historic Releases at the Widett Circle Layover Facility Site ...................................... 8 Table 3—Summary of Historic Releases at the Beacon Park Yard Layover Facility Site ............................... 9 Table 4—Summary of Historic Releases at the Readville - Yard 2 Layover Facility Site ............................. 11


South Station Expansion October 2014 Massachusetts Department of Transportation Page 1

1. Introduction

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) have for decades identified the expansion of rail capacity at Boston South Station as a crucial transportation need, one that has been articulated in multiple local, regional, state, and Northeast Corridor (NEC)-wide planning documents.1 In cooperation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Amtrak, and the MBTA, MassDOT is now pursuing the expansion of South Station to support existing NEC and commuter rail services and to provide for future Amtrak and MBTA service expansions. The current track capacity, layout, and operations of South Station limit the ability to accommodate projected future expanded services. In addition to expanding South Station terminal facilities, the South Station Expansion (SSX) project will also identify a solution to address existing and future intercity and commuter rail service layover needs. The SSX project includes planning, environmental reviews, and preliminary engineering for the five primary elements of the project:

1. Expand the South Station terminal facilities, including the addition of up to seven tracks and four platforms and construction of a new passenger concourse and other amenities.

2. Acquire and demolish the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) General Mail Facility located on Dorchester Avenue adjacent to South Station, which will provide an approximate 14-acre site on which to expand South Station. (Note that the relocation of the USPS facility will be the subject of a separate environmental review process by others.) Dorchester Avenue will be restored for public and station access.

3. Create an extension of the Harborwalk along reopened Dorchester Avenue.

4. Provide for the possibility of future joint public/private development adjacent to and over an expanded South Station.

5. Provide adequate rail vehicle layover space to address existing and future intercity and commuter rail service needs.

This Site Contamination and Hazardous Materials Technical Report has been prepared in support of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the SSX project, in accordance with the Certificate of the Secretary of the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) on the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) for the SSX project (April 19, 2013), the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) regulations, 301 CMR 11.00 (revised, May 10, 2013), and FRA’s Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts, 64 Federal Register (FR) 101 (26 May 1999), pp. 28545-28556.

1 Documents citing the need for an expanded South Station include: Critical Infrastructure Needs on the Northeast Corridor (2013), The Northeast Corridor Infrastructure Master Plan (2010); The Amtrak Vision for High-Speed Rail in the Northeast Corridor (2010), A Vision for the Northeast Corridor (2012), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Rail Plan (2010), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Freight Plan (2010), and the two most recent long range transportation plans of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (2007, 2011)


October 2014 South Station Expansion Page 2 Massachusetts Department of Transportation

2. Summary of Findings

2.1. South Station Site

Based on a review of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) files,2 there are 22 instances of an historic release or threat of release into the environment3 on the South Station site (as shown in Table 1). All of the Release Tracking Numbers (RTNs) have been closed by MassDEP. Aside from these 22 RTNs, no additional Reportable Conditions4 pertaining to the South Station site were identified, and there are no Reportable Conditions at the site that have not yet been assigned an RTN.

Section 5 of this report presents a breakdown of RTNs on the South Station site, which includes both the existing South Station parcel and railroad track right-of-way (ROW), and the USPS General Mail Facility (GMF) parcel; and their Response Action Outcomes (RAOs).5

Based on the previous use of the USPS property as part of South Station and due to the historical presence of railroad tracks in this area, contamination associated with the property’s historical use could be encountered during construction. In addition, the fill that was used to create the current landmass, dating to the early part of the 19th century, may contain debris and contamination that could need to be addressed during demolition and construction.

Based on an initial evaluation of the to be demolished USPS GMF, asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are located throughout the building facility. Additionally, the facility contains potential hazardous materials and universal wastes, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead paint, light bulbs and ballasts, mercury-containing equipment, and refrigerants associated with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

2.2. Layover Facility Sites

Based on a review of MassDEP files, there are 14 instances of an historic release or threat of release into the environment on the Widett Circle site (as shown in Table 2). All of the RTNs have been closed by MassDEP with Class A-1, A-2, or B-1 RAOs. Based on the compliance status of historic releases at the Widett Circle site, no likely residual contamination exists and significant issues associated with the historic releases would not be anticipated during SSX project layover facility construction.

Based on a review of MassDEP files, there are 46 instances of an historic release or threat of release into the environment on the Beacon Park Yard site (as shown in Table 3). Not all of the 46 release sites may be within the layover facility site boundary; to be conservative, however, all of the release sites associated with the larger Beacon Park Yard property are included in this assessment. With the exception of two sites (RTNs 3-20882 and 3-30413), all of the RTNs have been closed by MassDEP. Based on the recent

2 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Waste Site/Reportable Release File Viewer. http://public.dep.state.ma.us/wsc_viewer/main.aspx. 3 Per the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, a release is defined as any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping or disposing into the environment, excluding certain emissions or applications of pesticides, fertilizer, or residuals. Release Tracking Numbers are the file numbers assigned by MassDEP to a release or threat of release. 4 Reportable Conditions include Reportable Concentration or Reportable Quantities. Reportable Concentration means the concentration of oil or hazardous material in soil or groundwater which requires notification to MassDEP under M.G.L. c. 21E, § 7, and/or 310 CMR 40.0360 through 310 CMR 40.0362. Reportable Quantity means the quantity of oil or hazardous material the release of which, or threat of release of which, requires notification to MassDEP under M.G.L. c. 21E, § 7, and/or 310 CMR 40.0350 through 310 CMR 40.0352. 5 A Response Action Outcome (RAO) is defined as a site/release where a Permanent or Temporary Solution statement was submitted to MassDEP indicating that response actions were sufficient to achieve a level of no significant risk or at least ensure that all substantial hazards were eliminated

http://public.dep.state.ma.us/wsc_viewer/main.aspx



and historic use of Beacon Park Yard, it is likely that some contamination would be encountered during SSX project layover facility construction.

Based on a review of MassDEP files, there are two instances of an historic release or threat of release into the environment on the Readville - Yard 2 site (as shown in Table 4). One RTN (3-29327) has been closed and one RTN (3-15991) remains open. Based on the historic and current use of Readville-Yard 2, it is likely that some contamination would be encountered during SSX project layover facility construction.

Other than the RTNs previously identified, no additional Reportable Conditions pertaining to the three layover facility sites were identified, and there are no Reportable Conditions at the sites that have not yet been assigned an RTN

The SSX project would require demolition of multiple existing facilities at Widett Circle and several small structures at Beacon Park Yard. Prior to demolition activities, further investigation would be required to identify ACM and potential hazardous materials. Response actions could be required, including development of a site-specific health and safety plan.

2.3. Next Steps

MassDOT will complete Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) at the SSX project sites to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) on the property. If required, MassDOT will conduct Phase II subsurface investigations to further evaluate potential subsurface contamination. MassDOT will adhere to procedures established under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP).6 Section 7 of this report provides further information.

3. Regulatory Context Regulations addressing contaminated soil and groundwater are outlined in the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP), 310 CMR 40.0000. To address contaminated soil and groundwater associated with this project, Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) will be completed for the project sites in accordance with ASTM E1527-05. Requests for public information will be made in accordance with 40 CFR §312. If Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) are identified at any of the project sites, Phase II ESAs will be conducted following ASTM E1903 – 11 regulations. If necessary, any Reporting Condition (RC) would be reported to MassDEP and the site would then follow the regulations outlined in the MCP.

The applicable regulation for ACM is the EPA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations (40 CFR Part 61). Building materials containing less than 1% asbestos do not meet either the generally accepted industry definition of ACM (any material containing greater than 1% asbestos) or the U.S.EPA definition of friable ACM (any friable bulk insulation material containing greater than 1% asbestos by weight as analyzed by Polarized Light Microscopy [PLM]). According to MassDEP regulations, ACM containing 1% asbestos fibers or more by weight is regulated. All residential, commercial and institutional buildings are subject to MassDEP asbestos regulations at 310 CMR 7.15. Therefore, owners and/or operators (e.g. building owners, renovation and demolition contractors, plumbing and heating contractors, flooring contractors, etc.) need to determine all asbestos containing materials (both non-friable and friable) that are present at the site and whether or not those materials will be impacted by the proposed work prior to conducting any renovation or demolition

6 Massachusetts Asbestos Abatement and Disposal Act Regulations 310 CMR 40.0000, April 25, 2014. http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/cleanup/regulations/massachusetts-contingency-plan.html.

http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/cleanup/regulations/massachusetts-contingency-plan.html



activity. In addition, MassDEP requires notification for any asbestos handling project including demolition and disposal at least 10 working days prior to conducting any asbestos removal work.

•

The following regulations will be followed during the activities conducted for this project:

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Lead in Construction Standard: 29 CFR 1926.62 to address lead-based paint.

• Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Regulations specific to disposal requirements. • The EPA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Regulations (40

CFR Part 61) and MassDEP asbestos regulations at 310 CMR 7.15 for ACM. • Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) PCB regulations in 40 CFR 761. • ASTM E1527-05, “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I

Environmental Site Assessment Process”. • 40 CFR §312, Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) under the federal

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (42 USC §9601).

• ASTM E1903 - 11 “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process”.

• MCP regulations (310 CMR 40.0000).

4. Methodology Phase I ESAs will follow American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E 1527-05, “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process” with the purpose of identifying RECs on the property. ASTM E 1527-05 provides a procedure for satisfying, in part, the requirements of 40 CFR §312, Standards and Practices for All Appropriate Inquires (AAI) under the federal CERCLA (42 USC §9601). To the extent that RECs are identified on the Site Properties, MassDOT will develop a scope of work for Phase II subsurface investigations to further evaluate potential subsurface contamination. The Phase II ESA will follow ASTM E1903-11 “Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process.” Findings of the Phase II ESA subsurface investigations may result in an obligation to notify MassDEP of the presence of oil and/or hazardous materials (OHM) identified on the property under the MCP regulations (310 CMR 40.0000).

Initial investigations at the SSX project sites have included a review of selected local, state, and federal regulatory agency databases for listings of the property and for sites within selected radii around the property (Environmental Data Resources (EDR) Report); contact with local city and fire offices to inquire about records regarding releases of site contamination or knowledge of environmental conditions at the Site and in its vicinity; a review of the history of the Site through selected ASTM Standard Historical Sources; and review of MassDEP databases. The Massachusetts Contingency Plan (310 CMR 40.0000) defines multiple classes of a Response Action Outcome (RAO):

• An RAO – A1 applies to disposal sites where a Permanent Solution has been achieved and the level of OHM in the environment has been reduced to background, or disposal sites where response actions have eliminated all threats of release and no release of OHM to the environment has occurred.

• An RAO – A2 applies to disposal sites where a Permanent Solution has been achieved, the level of OHM in the environment has not been reduced to background, and one or more activity and use limitations (AULs) are not required to maintain a level of No Significant Risk.



• An RAO – A3 applies to disposal sites where a Permanent Solution has been achieved, the level of OHM in the environment has not been reduced to background, one or more AULs has been implemented to maintain a level of No Significant Risk, and OHM at the disposal site does not exceed an Upper Concentration Limit (UCL) in soil or groundwater.

• An RAO – A4 applies to disposal sites where a Permanent Solution has been achieved, the level of OHM in the environment has not been reduced to background, one or more AULs have been implemented to maintain a level of No Significant Risk, OHM in soil located at a depth greater than 15 feet from the ground surface or beneath an engineered barrier exceeds one or more UCLs in soil, and it is not feasible to reduce the concentrations of OHM in soil located at a depth greater than 15 feet from the ground surface or in an area beneath an engineered barrier to less than or equal to the applicable UCL in soil.

• An RAO – B1 applies to disposal sites where remedial actions have not been conducted because a level of No Significant Risk exists and no AUL is necessary to ensure the existence or maintenance of a level of No Significant Risk.

• An RAO – B2 applies to disposal sites where remedial actions have not been conducted because a level of No Significant Risk exists, but the level of No Significant Risk is contingent on one or more AULs that have been implemented at the disposal site to restrict exposure to OHM, and no concentrations of OHM at the disposal site exceeds applicable UCLs in soil or groundwater.

• An RAO – B3 applies to disposal sites where remedial actions have not been conducted because a level of No Significant Risk exists, but the level of No Significant Risk is contingent on one or more AULs that have been implemented at the disposal site to restrict exposure to OHM, OHM in soil located at a depth greater than 15 feet from the ground surface exceeds one or more UCLs in soil, and it is not feasible to reduce concentrations of OHM in soil located at a depth greater than 15 feet from the ground surface to less than or equal to the UCLs in soil.

• An RAO – C1 applies to disposal sites where, after completion of a MCP Phase III evaluation, a condition of No Substantial Hazard exists, and it is concluded that response actions to achieve a Permanent Solution are not currently feasible.

• An RAO – C2 applies to disposal sites where, after completion of a MCP Phase III evaluation, a condition of No Substantial Hazard exists, and response actions to achieve a Permanent Solution are feasible and are to be conducted.

5. Existing Conditions


The South Station site includes the USPS General Mail Facility (GMF) parcel; and the South Station parcel, including the ROW and site boundary.

A review of the MassDEP database of reportable releases revealed twenty-two RTNs associated with the current USPS GMF and South Station properties and associated track ROW within the Site Boundary. These sites are summarized in the following Table 1.


October 2014 South Station Expansion

Page 6 Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Table 1—Summary of Historic Releases at USPS GMF and South Station Properties

RTN Release Address Site Name Notification Date

Compliance Status

Compliance Date

USPS GMF

3-15044 25 Dorchester Ave. South Postal Annex

4/26/1997 RAO – A1 6/30/1997

3-15517 25 Dorchester Ave. Postal Service P and DC

9/12/1997 RAO – A1 11/10/1997

3-18353 25 Dorchester Ave. South Postal Annex

5/28/1999 RAO – A1 7/29/1999

3-24692 25 Dorchester Ave. Summer and A Streets

3/13/2005 RAO – A1 5/9/2005

3-27393 25 Dorchester Ave. USPS Facility 1/14/2008 RAO – A1 3/13/2008

3-24162 Summer Street USPS General Mail Facility

8/20/2004 RAO – A1 1/28/2005

South Station and ROW

3-0555 Summer St. South Station Foundation 1/15/1987 LSP No Further

Action 12/30/1996

3-18045 2 South Station Amtrak 3/2/1999 RAO – A1 5/7/1999

3-20324 2 South Station South Station Track 2 1/18/2001 RAO – A1 7/27/2001

3-20757 South Station Amtrak Mile Post #228 6/1/2001 RAO – A1 8/2/2001

3-10376 Near Atlantic Ave. Kneeland St.

South Station/Interim

Ramp/Bent SSC3B

12/29/1993 RAO – A2 12/30/1994

3-10377 Near Atlantic Ave. Kneeland St.

South Station Pier SSC3a 12/29/1993 RAO – A2 12/30/1994

3-13064 195 Summer St. South Station Track #7 10/23/1995 RAO – A2 12/22/1995

3-13291 2 South Station Track #7 12/22/1995 RAO – A2 11/1/2000

3-24208 Kneeland St. & Atlantic Ave.

Track #7 Mile 228 9/1/2004 RAO-A2 9/1/2005

3-26714 Summer St. & Atlantic Ave.

South Station Framingham

Line Diesel Fuel 3/29/2007 RAO-A2 7/23/2007

3-29093 South Station Railroad Tracks 2/26/2010 RAO-A2 4/30/2010

3-19396 700 Atlantic Ave. South Station Bus Terminal 3/24/2000 RAO-A3 8/1//2005

3-1993 Summer St. South Station Terminal 4/15/1989 RAO-B1 8/2/1996

3-16008 Albany at Herald St. Central Artery MA Hwy. 9/21/1998

MassDEP Memorandum of Understanding

5/26/2005

3-16026 Albany & Herald Streets

No Location Aida 12/30/2005

MassDEP Memorandum of Understanding

12/30/2005

Site Boundary and Summer Street and Dorchester Avenue

3-1305 Summer St./Dorchester Ave.

Boston Thermal Energy Co. 1/15/1990 RAO-A2 3/25/2009

a No address provided in MassDEP files.



A summary of the RAOs associated with the current USPS GMF and South Station property and associated track ROW within the site boundary is described as follows:

• Nine RTNs (3-15044, 3-15517, 3-18353, 3-24692, 3-27393, 3-24162, 3-18045, 3-20324, and 3-20757) were closed with Class A-1 RAOs, indicating that a Permanent Solution has been achieved and the level of OHM has been reduced to background.

• Seven RTNs (3-10376, 3-10377, 3-13064, 3-13291, 3-24208, 3-26714, and 3-29093) were closed with Class A-2 RAOs, indicating that a permanent solution of “No Significant Risk” for current or future site conditions was achieved; however, the level of OHM was not reduced to background. In some cases, a Class A-2 RAO was achieved siting that conditions were categorically infeasible to achieve background due to the proximity of a public transportation ROW.

• RTN 3-19396 was closed with a Class A-3 RAO with an AUL, indicating that residual contamination exists in this location. The location of the residual contamination was identified as the area adjacent to an elevator shaft in the northwest portion of the South Station Bus Station building.

• RTN 3-1993 was closed with a Class B-1 RAO, indicating that a Permanent Solution has been achieved without requiring MCP Response Actions.

• RTN 3-0555 was closed with the submittal of a Licensed Site Professional (LSP) Evaluation Opinion stating that the Site, which was identified as a Location to be Investigated (LTBI) by MassDEP, required no further response action.

There was no documentation in the MassDEP files for either RTN 3-16008 or 3-16026 confirming that the proposed Immediate Response Action (IRA) Plans were conducted; therefore, there is a potential to encounter residual contamination associated with these RTNs.

RTN 3-1305 was identified within the site boundary at the intersection of Summer Street and Dorchester Avenue. A Class A-2 RAO was filed to close this RTN, indicating that a condition of No Significant Risk was achieved. However, the RAO statement concluded that the remediation of residual soil and groundwater contamination associated with the release was considered to be categorically infeasible, as defined by the MCP. To remediate the release, it would be necessary to interrupt public service or threaten public safety, since the residual contamination was located beneath an active transportation ROW and would put sensitive underground utilities as risk. If construction associated with the SSX project were conducted in this area, there is a likely possibility of encountering residual contamination.

Based on a review of publically available documents, there are no Reportable Conditions at the property that have not yet been assigned an RTN.

The South Station site has historically been railroad and industrial uses. Prior to South Station being built in 1899, the landmass under the facility did not exist. Wharves along Fort Point Channel were located in this area before it was filled solid to build South Station. A number of coal sheds were located along these wharves. The train shed over the railroad tracks extended the width of the land between Atlantic Avenue and Dorchester Avenue. In 1932, the USPS facility was built on the site, on land formerly occupied by railroad tracks. Based on this previous use, and the historical presence of railroad tracks in this area, contamination associated with the property’s historical use could be encountered during future construction activities.

Based on an initial evaluation of the USPS GMF, asbestos- containing materials (ACM) are located throughout the building facility. Additionally, the facility contains potential hazardous materials and universal wastes, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead paint, light bulbs and ballasts,



mercury-containing equipment, and refrigerants associated with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.


Based on review of the MassDEP’s database of reportable releases, Table 2, Table 3, and Table 4 present summaries of the RTNs associated with the three layover facility sites. Note that for the proposed Beacon Park Yard layover, sites that may not be within the actual limit of the property that will be included as part of the layover facility may be included due to the large geographical extent of the site. However, to be conservative, all of the sites associated with the larger Beacon Park Yard property are included.

5.2.1. Widett Circle

Table 2—Summary of Historic Releases at the Widett Circle Layover Facility Site


Compliance Status

Compliance Date

3-14773 110 Widett Circle S&I Facility/Amtrak 1/29/1997 RAO – A2 12/16/1997

3-15326 90 Widett Circle Amtrak S&I Facility 7/27/1997 RAO – A2 4/3/1998

3-17408 100 Widett Circle New Boston Food Market 10/31/1998 RAO – A1 12/11/1998

3-18540 35 Foodmart Road Widett Circle 7/21/1999 RAO – A1 9/13/1999

3-21229 2 Frontage

Road/110 Widett Circle

South Hampton St and S&I Rail

Yards 11/1/2001 RAO – A1 3/1/2002

3-21889 100 Widett Circle No Location Aida 6/26/2002 RAO – B1 8/15/2002

3-22576 110 Widett Circle Amtrak Fueling Pad 2/18/2003 RAO – A1 4/18/2003

3-24063 100 Widett Circle Americold New

Boston Food Market

7/20/2004 RAO – B1 9/9/2004

3-24197 100 Widett Circle Americold New

Boston Food Market

8/29/2004 RAO – B1 10/25/2004

3-24559 110 Widett Circle

Commuter Railroad

Maintenance Facility

1/12/2005 RAO – B1 1/12/2007

3-24707 100 Widett Circle Roxbury 3/18/2005 RAO – B1 5/11/2005

3-29408 100 Widett Circle Americold Logistics 7/28/2010 RAO – A1 9/23/2010

3-29676 Widett Circle No Location Aida 12/1/2010 RAO – B1 5/1/2012

3-30216 110 Widett Circle No Location Aida 8/10/2011 RAO – B1 9/12/2011


Based on review of publically available documents for the Widett Circle layover site, there are no Reportable Conditions at the property that have not yet been assigned an RTN. None of the RAOs filed have AULs associated with them. No additional Reportable Conditions were identified in the MassDEP files reviewed.



Site evaluations of the existing buildings at the Widett Circle site have not been conducted. Given their current use, refrigerated warehousing storage, it is likely that these facilities contain potential hazardous materials and universal wastes. The facilities originally were constructed in the 1960s and they potentially contain ACM.

5.2.2. Beacon Park Yard

Table 3—Summary of Historic Releases at the Beacon Park Yard Layover Facility Site


Compliance Status

Compliance Date

3-4495 170 Cambridge Street Beacon Park Yard Engine

Facility 2/24/1994 RAO – C1 5/1/2000

3-10064 170 Cambridge Street Beacon Park Engine House 10/16/1993 RAO – C1 5/1/2000

3-10503 170 Cambridge Street No Location Aida 1/28/1994 RAO – C1 5/1/2000

3-10872 170 Cambridge Street Conrail Freight Yard 4/18/1994 RAO – C1 5/1/2000

3-11142 170 Cambridge Street Beacon Park Yard 6/14/1994 RAO – A2 5/1/2000


3-11552 170 Cambridge Street Conrail Beacon Park Yard 8/30/1994 RAO – A1 12/29/1994

3-11783 170 Cambridge Street Fueling Pad 10/27/1994 RAO – C1 11/7/2000

3-12106 170 Cambridge Street Base of

Compressor Rear of Building

1/23/1995 RAO – A1 2/2/1996

3-12585 170 Cambridge Street Rail Yard 6/16/1995 RAO – A1 8/14/1995

3-15067 170 Cambridge Street At Conrail

Charles River Flexvan

3/29/1997 RAO – C1 10/8/2003

3-15260 Cambridge Street Conrail Yard 6/30/1997 RAO – A2 8/29/1997

3-15898 Cambridge Street Flexivan Entrance 1/6/1998 RTN Closed 8/27/1998

3-19635 Cambridge St and Soldiers Field Rd

Parcel 1C and 1D 11/6/2000 RAO – C1 11/12/2008

3-19946 170 Cambridge Street Beacon Park Soldiers Field Rd 9/18/2000 RAO – A2 11/27/2000

3-20313 170 Cambridge Street CSX RR 1/16/2001 RAO –A1 12/9/2002

3-20882 52 Cambridge Street No Location Aida 6/13/2001 DPS 6/13/2002

3-21176 170 Cambridge Street Beacon Yard Outfall 10/17/2001 RAO – A1 7/11/2002

3-21281 100 Cambridge Street CSX International 11/29/2001 RAO – A1 2/22/2002

3-22818 170 Cambridge Street CSX Trans 4/26/2003 RAO – A2 12/5/2003

3-24580 100 Cambridge Street CSX-Beacon Yards 1/22/2005 RAO – A1 3/23/2005

3-25305 170 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard & Tracks 10/11/2005 RAO – A2 9/27/2006



Table 3 (Cont’d)—Summary of Historic Releases at the Beacon Park Yard Layover Facility Site


Compliance Status

Compliance Date

3-25680 170 Cambridge Street CSX Rail

Identifier – Pad 1 QB-511

2/19/2006 RAO – A1 4/21/2006

3-26455 100 Cambridge Street No Location Aida 12/8/2006 RAO – A2 2/1/2007

3-26496 100 Cambridge Street Rail Yard 12/29/2006 RAO – A2 2/22/20073-26661 100 Cambridge Street CSX Facility 3/8/2007 RAO – A2 5/17/2007 3-27208 310 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard 10/23/2007 RAO – A2 12/24/20073-27271 170 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard 11/21/2007 RAO – A2 1/25/2008

3-28036 100 Cambridge Street Diesel Leak CSX Yard 10/3/2008 RAO – A1 11/13/2008

3-28327 170 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard 2/19/2009 RTN Closed 4/20/2009 3-29249 100 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard 5/2/2010 RAO – A2 6/24/2010

3-29280 170 Cambridge Street CSX Beacon Park Yard 5/20/2010 RAO – A1 7/16/2010

3-29627 100 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard 11/5/2010 RAO – A2 2/8/2001 3-29969 100 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard 5/1/2011 RAO – A1 6/29/2001


3-30215 170 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard 8/10/2011 RAO – A1 8/10/20123-30288 100 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard 9/7/2011 RAO – A2 7/30/2012


3-30373 170 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard 10/7/2011 RAO – A2 2/6/2012

3-30413 100 Cambridge Street Areas C1 thru C4 and D 10/26/2011 Tier II/Phase II 11/2/2012

3-30423 100 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard 11/2/2011 RAO – A1 1/10/20123-30428 310 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard 11/3/2011 RAO – A2 10/15/2012

3-30464 100 Cambridge Street CSX

Transportation Inc.

11/18/2011 RAO – A1 1/20/2012

3-30493 100 Cambridge Street CSX Intermodal Facility 12/2/2011 RAO – A2 4/3/2012

3-30531 170 Cambridge Street Beacon Park Yard 12/30/2011 RTN Closed 9/24/2012

3-31122 100 Cambridge Street CSX Rail Yard 9/26/2012 RAO – A2 11/27/ 2012


Based on review of publically available documents, there are no Reportable Conditions at the Beacon Park Yard property that have not yet been assigned an RTN. None of the RAOs filed have AULs associated with them. No additional reportable conditions were identified in the MassDEP files reviewed. With the exception of two sites (RTNs 3-20882 and 3-30413), all of the RTNs have been closed by MassDEP. A downgradient property status opinion has been filed for one site with no obligation for remediation, and one site remains open (RTN 3-30413) and is currently undergoing a Comprehensive Site Assessment per the MCP regulations (310 CMR 40.0000).

Site evaluations of the existing buildings at Beacon Park Yard have not been conducted. A number of the buildings at the property were constructed in the 1970s or earlier and potentially contain ACM.



5.2.3. Readville - Yard 2

Table 4—Summary of Historic Releases at the Readville - Yard 2 Layover Facility Site RTN Release Address Site Name Notification

Date Compliance

Status Compliance

Date

3-15991 50 Rear Wolcott

Ct. Wolcott Court and Wolcott St

2/6/1998 RAO – C2 4/29/2011

3-29327 Hyde Park Ave. No Location

Aida 6/15/2010 RAO – A2 7/27/2010

a No address provided in MassDEP files

Based on a review of MassDEP’s database of reportable releases, there are two instances of an historic release or threat of release into the environment on the Readville – Yard 2 site. RTN 3-29327 has been closed by MassDEP and RTN 3-15991 remains open.

RTN 3-29327 has achieved a Class A-2 RAO, indicating that the level of OHM has not been reduced to background; while the site has achieved a designation of No Significant Risk, the potential to encounter residual contamination is likely. RTN 3-15991 has achieved a Class C-2 RAO, indicating that a condition of No Substantial Hazard exists, but response actions to achieve a Permanent Solution are feasible and are required.

The site identified as RTN 3-15991 is associated with metals, total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), PCBs, asbestos, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contamination in soils primarily on property abutting the Readville – Yard 2 site, which is owned by a demolition and debris management company. Historic operations at the property have also resulted in groundwater contamination. This disposal site is generally located east of the proposed Readville-Yard 2 layover facility site; however, portions of the disposal site extend onto property that is either owned by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

An AUL, consisting of a geotextile and gravel cover, has been proposed for the site to MassDEP in order to address residual lead and PCB contamination in soil, including the portion of the site extending onto Readville - Yard 2. Due to the elevated concentration of PCBs in soil, the proposed remedy may require U.S. EPA Region 1 approval. An alternative to the placement of the AUL on the site would be site remediation.

Based on the review of publically available documents, no additional reportable conditions pertaining to the Readville - Yard 2 site were identified, and there are no reportable conditions at the site that have not yet been assigned an RTN.

Site evaluations of the existing layover buildings at Readville – Yard 2 have not been conducted. The buildings to be expanded at the property potentially contain ACM.

6. Potential Impacts


Based on the types of releases that have been documented at the South Station site, MassDOT does not anticipate encountering significant issues associated with these specific releases during the demolition of the USPS facility and the proposed construction. However, based on the previous use of the site, contamination associated with the property’s historical use may be encountered during construction. In



addition, the fill that was used to create the current landmass, dating to the early part of the 19th century, may contain debris and contamination that may need to be addressed during demolition and construction.

As noted, the USPS GMF contains ACM and other potential hazardous materials and universal wastes. Prior to demolition, further investigation would be required.


6.2.1. Widett Circle

Based on the recent and historic use of Widett Circle, it is likely that some contamination would be encountered during SSX project layover facility construction.

The project would require demolition of multiple existing buildings at Widett Circle. Prior to demolition activities, further investigation would be required to identify ACM and potential hazardous materials.

6.2.2. Beacon Park Yard

Based on the recent and historic use of Beacon Park Yard, it is likely that some contamination would be encountered during SSX project layover facility construction.

The project would require demolition of several small structures at Beacon Park Yard. Prior to demolition activities, further investigation would be required to identify ACM and potential hazardous materials.

6.2.3. Readville - Yard 2

Based on the historic and current use of Readville-Yard 2, it is likely that some contamination would be encountered during SSX project layover facility construction. Construction activities at Readville - Yard 2 also could include remediation of the disposal site (RTN 3-15991) to reach a Permanent Solution.

Prior to building expansion activities, further investigation would be required to identify ACM and potential hazardous materials within existing structures.

7. Mitigation and Next Steps MassDOT reviewed publically available information on each of the four SSX project sites, including a review of MassDEP databases. Moving forward, Phase I ESAs will be completed to identify any unreported RECs. This will include conducting a limited site reconnaissance of the properties to make observations for evidence of a release or threat of release of OHM to the environment, and to interview knowledgeable personnel on the historic operations on the properties. Additionally, this will include performing a limited review of adjoining properties to identify the potential for use of OHM that could affect the properties. If any RECs are identified during the Phase I ESA, site-specific health and safety plan (SSHASP) will be developed, including procedures for the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including but not limited to respirators and protective clothing (i.e. Tyvek suits) for Phase II investigations.

If a Phase II ESA is required, MassDOT will implement a soil and groundwater sampling and analysis program to provide information to: establish the presence and extent of contaminated material; determine options available to manage and dispose surplus soil generated during construction; establish requirements for treatment and management of groundwater to be dewatered during construction; avoid



exacerbation of existing groundwater or soil contamination in design for construction, and meet the performance standards of 310 CMR 40.0000 with regard to construction in contaminated areas.

Based on the Phase II investigation, MassDOT will establish oil and hazardous material concentrations in soil and groundwater to support design and construction and determine if MCP reportable conditions exist. Potential effects of construction on existing areas of environmental contamination and conditions that may pose a significant risk to human health, safety, public welfare, or the environment, including Imminent Hazards and/or Critical Exposure Pathways, will be identified. MassDOT will develop recommendations for specific response actions to maintain compliance with the MCP related to OHM on the property. MassDOT will identify response actions to be conducted prior to construction.

Moving forward, MassDOT will conduct a visual inspection of the buildings to identify the presence, location, and quantity of suspect ACM. Work plans will be developed for sampling based on the facility walk-throughs once the inspections are complete. Bulk samples of potential hazardous materials will be collected for laboratory analysis. Once the laboratory results are received, types, conditions, and quantities of potential hazardous materials and universal wastes, including PCBs, lead paint, fluorescent light tubes, light ballasts, CFCs and refrigerants associated with HVAC systems, mercury switches, emergency light batteries, and exit signs, etc. will be documented and inventoried. Finally, response actions that would be required prior to demolition will be identified. Response actions could be required, including development of a site-specific health and safety plan.



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