Application of Upstream Contributions and Equilibrium Partitioning in Setting Remedial Goals for PAHs

Deborah Barsotti, Ph.D., DABT (MACTEC Engineering and Consulting, Inc., Hamilton, New Jersey, USA); Garret Bondy, Mary Miller, and Laura Stirban (MACTEC

ABSTRACT:

The goal of this investigation was to develop site-specific sediment and surface water preliminary remediation goals for the Ironton Tar Plant site consistent with regulatory guidance. To achieve this objective, both upstream contributions and bioavailability were evaluated for the constituents of interest, i.e., polyaromatic hydrocarbons using regulatory guidance, including USEPA equilibrium partitioning methodology and USEPA’s published equilibrium partitioning sediment benchmarks.

 

INTRODUCTION

The Ironton Tar Plant site (Site) is located is in an old industrial section of Ironton, Ohio adjacent to the Ohio River between Ohio River Miles 324.2 and 325 (as measured from the headwaters at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Figure 1). The Ohio River has a long history of use, starting with the development of the river for navigational purposes including high head dams, flood control, and canal building. Early industrial activities developed around the abundance of coal, oil, natural gas, salt, iron ore, timber, and clay. Steel mills, coking operations, other coal-related activities and major horticultural industries developed along the river. Industrial and urban pollution of the Ohio River has been a concern for decades. All of these factors have contributed to changes in the river quality.

 

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