1255_VSI.doc

PHASE 1 EBS REPORT FOR 147th FIGHTER WING 08/06

CONTRACT NO DAHA92-01-D-0009-0061

ELLINGTON FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE

FINAL

HOUSTON, TEXAS

VISUAL SITE INSPECTION AND

PHYSICAL SITE INSPECTION (VSI/PSI) FORM

GENERAL INFORMATION

Ellington Field – ANG

Points of Contact

TSgt James Mullinax

281-929-2254

Description of Facility Currently Admin/Office Bldg and Repair Shop for Nav Aids; formerly Generator Room; asbestos abatement done in 1987 Permitted Operations (Air and Radioactive Materials)

There are no permitted operations at this facility.

PHYSICAL SETTING

Current Uses of the Property Are any current uses likely to involve treatment, storage, disposal, or generation of __ Yes _X No hazardous substances or petroleum products?

Report current uses based on observation, interviews, and records review.

The Building 1255 is currently used for the administrative offices and minor repair shop and storage for Navigation aids. The contracted company is Dynamic Science, Inc.

Past Uses of the Property

Were any past uses likely to have involved treatment, storage, disposal, or generation of X Yes No hazardous substances or petroleum?

Report all past uses based on observation, interviews, and records review.

· 1993- Present – Dynamic Science, Inc. is contracted to use the building for the administrative offices and minor repair shop and storage for navigation aids.

· 1951 -1993 – The building was a generator room.

· Based on inquiries with base personnel, EOD previously occupied this building before moving to building 1253.

Current and Past Uses of Adjoining Properties

Report all past and present uses of adjoining properties within one-quarter mile based on observations, interviews and record review. Report only information on activities likely to cause a recognized environmental impact.

The following are directly adjacent properties:

North – Three generators and then the unnamed loop road South – Building 1254 East - Open grass area

West – Open grass area

Roads

Describe all thoroughfares adjoining the property and any roads, streets, and parking lots adjacent to the property.

Building access is gained from the east side of the building, along the sidewalk, from a small parking area south of the adjacent building.

PROPERTY FINDINGS

Air Emissions Sources

Describe all air emissions sources.

Based on inquiries and observations, no air emission sources are known to be present or to have been present on the property in the past.

Shallow Groundwater

Describe condition of shallow groundwater.

Groundwater at the site is encountered within the first two to four feet below ground, in high plasticity clays. The clays are layered with discontinuous, sandy silt seams that yield low volumes of marginal quality water. As a result, shallow groundwater beneath the 147th Fighter Wing facilities has not been developed for beneficial use and groundwater quality data was not available for review.

Hazardous and Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant (POL) Substances

Describe uses, waste generation, and storage within facility.

Hazardous and POL Products

N/A

Hazardous and POL Wastes N/A Spill Related Information Describe the occurrence of spills associated with facility.

Based on review of available base records there are no known spills located in this area. During the site visit there were no visual observations or evidence of current or historic spills.

Installation Restoration Program (IRP) Sites

Describe IRP sites located at the facility.

At the time of the 2005 survey, the 8,500-gallon UST removal was designated as IRP Site 4. Available documents reviewed identified IRP Site 4 as still active.

Solid Waste Management Units (SWMUs)

Describe SWMUs located at the facility.

There are no SWMUs associated with this facility.

Storage Tanks and Related Systems

Describe all underground and aboveground tanks, vent pipes, fuel pipes, stored material refueling and loading and unloading areas, and capacity.

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)

Based on available records reviewed, an 8,500 gallon steel tank held diesel fuel for generators located in the adjacent building. The UST was abandoned in 1979. When the base was turned over to the 147th FW, the tank was pumped dry. The tank was removed in 1991.

Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs)

Based on inquiries and observations, no ASTs are known to be present or to have been present on the property in the past.

Hydrant Fueling Systems Describe the occurrences of hydrant fueling systems associated with the facility.

N/A

Industrial Waste Collection System (IWCS)

Describe the industrial wastewater collection system for the facility.

Drains and Sumps

Describe the occurrences of drains and sumps at the facility.

A floor drain in the storage room was plugged with a piece of cut Styrofoam. The Styrofoam was easily removed. It was not possible to determine whether the drain had been permanently plugged.

Sanitary Sewer and Disposal Systems

Describe the occurrences of sewer and disposal systems at the facility.

Wastewater and sanitary wastes from this facility are discharged to the City of Houston collection system.

Surface/Stormwater Systems

Describe the occurrences of surface/stormwater systems at the facility.

During the 2005 VSI/PSI the building area and surrounding ditches were dry. The topography of the base and surrounding areas is relatively flat. Based on record review, stormwater runoff will occur as sheet flow and move north and west toward a combination of ditches and system of underground pipes to a centrally located detection basin. The stormwater will then flow though a series of box culverts to the southernmost end of the active base to an outfall.

Silver Recovery Units

Describe the occurrences of silver recovery units at the facility.

Oil/Water Separators (OWSs) Describe the occurrences of oil/water separators at the facility.

Base plan maps and available building files were reviewed and there are no indications of any OWSs currently or formerly located at this facility. None were observed during the VSI/PSI.

Washracks Describe the occurrences of washracks at the facility.

Base plan maps and available building files were reviewed and there were no indications of any washracks currently or formerly located at this facility. None were observed during the VSI/PSI.

Septic Tanks Describe the occurrences of septic tanks at the facility.

There are no septic systems currently or previously located at this facility based on a review of base plan maps and available facility files.

Grease Traps Describe the occurrences of grease traps at the facility.

PROPERTY DISCLOSURE FACTORS

Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) Describe any occurrences of asbestos containing materials at the facility.

A survey was performed July 1999 at this facility in easily accessible areas, and ACM was not identified.

Deicing Agents

Describe any occurrences and uses of deicing agents at the facility.

This facility was not associated with flying operations or near the runway, therefore, this category is not applicable.

Lead-Based Paint (LBP)

Describe any occurrences of Lead Based Paint at the facility.

Personnel interviewed indicated that lead-containing paint was used throughout the installation as standard operating procedure. All facilities constructed prior to 1981 are likely to have been treated with lead-containing paint. At the time of the VSI/PSI, the painted interior walls at this facility paint were peeling and flaking onto the floor.

Mercury Describe any occurrences of mercury at the facility.

N/A

Medical/Biohazardous Waste Describe any occurrences of medical/biohazardous waste at the facility.

This category is not applicable to this type of facility.

Ordnance and Explosives Describe any occurrences of ordnance or explosives at the facility.

Personnel interviewed indicated that ordnance has not been used or stored at this facility. None was observed during the 2005 site visit.

Potable Water Quality and Air Quality Describe any occurrences of potable water and/or air quality issues at the facility.

This facility is connected to the municipal water supply. Based on the available records there have been reports of water quality issues in this facility. Most water mains were installed in the 1940s and 1950s and are predominately unlined cast iron. Corrosion and tuberculation of the unlined cast iron water mains have resulted in low hydraulic capacity and high chlorine demand. Red water problems are due to iron in the water from corrosion of the unlined cast iron water mains. Several water quality samples had iron concentrations greater than the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of 0.3 mg/L. Microbial testing results indicated the presence of total coliform bacteria. The water system is not capable of providing an acceptable quality of water to base personnel. Due to poor aesthetics and odor of water on base, bottled water is provided on base for personnel drinking.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Describe any occurrences of polychlorinated biphenyls at the facility.

Transformers Three transformers are located on the north of the building. Based on interviews with base personnel the transformers are PCB free.

Capacitors Based on interviews and site observation, capacitors are not located in or around this building.

Hydraulic Units Based on interviews and site observation, hydraulic units are not located in or around this building.

Light Ballast/Miscellaneous

Based on interviews and site observation, light ballasts are not located in or around this building.

Pesticides/Herbicides

Describe any occurrences of pesticides/herbicides at the facility.

All herbicides/pesticides are applied by licensed technicians.

Radiological Substances

Describe any occurrences of radiological substances at the facility.

Radon

Describe any occurrences of radon at the facility.

A radon survey has not been completed at this facility. The national average values in the area are <2pCi/L for Harris County.

Other Tanks (Non-hazardous and Non-POL)

Describe any aboveground or underground tanks at the facility that are not considered to contain hazardous materials or POLs.

Based on inquiries and observations during the VSI/PSI, there are no “other tanks” located at this facility.

OTHER PROPERTY DISCLOSURES

Dry Wells

Describe all wells that are not sources of water of known mineral extraction and are used or suspected to be used for disposal of liquid wastes.

Based on inquiries and observations, no dry wells are known to be present or to have been present on the property or on adjoining property.

Electrical Supply

Describe main electrical outlets and locations.

Electrical supply enters the building from underground on the north side of the building.

Heating/Cooling System

Describe the means of heating and cooling of the facility (fuel source).

The facility is natural gas heated and cooled with electrical central a/c.

Foundation of Building

Describe foundation type and locate areas of subsidence.

No areas of subsidence were seen. The foundation is concrete supported by pilings (piers).

Odors

Report any strong, pungent, or noxious odors. If possible, indicate the sources.

No unusual orders were encountered during the 2005 site visit.

Pits, Ponds, and Lagoons

Describe all pits, ponds, and lagoons on the property, especially if they are or were used in conjunction with waste disposal or waste treatment. Also, describe pits, ponds, or lagoons on adjoining properties.

No pits, ponds or lagoons were located in the area of the building during the 2005 survey.

Pools of Liquid

Report all standing surface waters. Describe all pools or low areas containing liquids likely to be hazardous substances or petroleum products.

No pools of liquids were observed during the 2005 survey.

Stained Soil

Describe any significant areas of stained soil found on the property. Note on plot plans.

No stained soils were observed during the 2005 survey.

Stains

Describe all significant stains or etchings on floors, walls, and ceilings.

No stains were observed during the 2005 survey.

Stressed Vegetation

Describe any areas of stressed vegetation (from a cause other than insufficient water).

No stressed vegetation were observed during the 2005 survey.

Non-Stormwater Discharges

Describe any wastewater or other liquids, other than stormwater, which discharge into a ditch or stream on or adjacent to the property.

No non-stormwater discharges were observed during the 2005 survey.

Wetlands

Describe location and approximate size.

No wetlands were observed on the property during the 2005 site visit.

NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES

Cultural Resources

Describe any cultural resources.

Although this facility is more than 50 years old and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, it has not been classified as historic.

Biological Resources

Describe any biological resources that may affect the facility.

There were no biological resources identified in the available information reviewed and none were observed during the 2005 site visit. Based on the Texas Parks and Wildlife, the southeast Houston area has been reported to have the following endangered or threatened species that potentially could be found at the property. Due to the extensive development of the area and associated activities next to active runways, the potential for these species to be present is considered low.

Artic Peregrine Falcon (Falco pereginus tundrius) – The property is in a potential migration area Plains Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta) – Prefers wooded brushy areas and tallgrass prairie Texas Prairie Dawn (Hymenoxys texana) – Primarily found in the area at the base of mima mounds in natural open grasslands

Unusual Geologic Resources and Conditions

Describe any geologic condition that may affect the facility.

The southeast Houston area is experiencing uneven subsidence and minor faulting associated with withdrawal of groundwater. Impacts of the groundwater withdrawl and subsidence have not been investigated at the property. However; structural damage from subsidence was not observed during the 2005 site visit.

1255_VSI.doc