Update on the Discovery of Historical Chemicals at the Site Formerly Known as Anaconda West (April 17, 2014)
(please view or download the PowerPoint file below:
Anaconda Wire Site
Please check this site for information and updates.
December 18, 2013
December 2013 Updates
Report of Site Demolition Activities and Findings
Supplemental Subsurface Investigation Report, July to September 2013
October 10, 2013
REVISION NO. 2 – SUPPLEMENTAL SITE INVESTIGATION WORK PLAN
Former Anaconda Wire and Cable Facility. Orange, California.
[2013-07-23] Geosyntec – Revision No. 2 – Supplemental Site Investigation Work Plan.
August 3, 2013
ANACONDA WIRE FACT SHEET: August 2013 Update
Download this post as a PDF here
Where is the site located?
The Anaconda Wire Site is located in the city limits of Orange, California at 200-296 North Cypress Street. The site is bounded by North Cypress Street to the east, West Maple Avenue to the south, existing railroad right-of-way to the west, and West Palm Avenue to the north.
What are the concerns?
The site was going to be developed for Chapman University student housing to accompany the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, which is located adjacent to the site in the Marion Knott Studios. When the University purchased the site, it was advised that there were no significant environmental issues. In preparing to develop the site, however, the University discovered the presence of chemicals in certain portions of the soil, underground soil gas, and groundwater. The chemicals are believed to be left over from long past industrial activity conducted at the site, including operations from a company called Anaconda Wire & Cable Company. For several decades in the mid-1900s, Anaconda Wire & Cable Company performed wire manufacturing at the site, and on certain portions of the adjoining land, including where the Marion Knott Studios are located. Based on information currently available, it appears that only the northern portion of the site is heavily contaminated. At the request of the oversight agencies, the University is continuing to investigate the extent of the contamination, including testing on adjacent locations which may have been impacted. Given the presence of contamination at the site, the University is cooperating with governmental agencies, and has retained environmental engineers and scientists, to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to protect the health and safety of those on site and nearby.
What chemicals are present on site?
The primary chemicals discovered at the site to date are Perchlorethylene (PCE), Carbon Tetrachloride, Trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene and hexavalent chromium.
What agencies are involved?
The University is cooperating with multiple government agencies to address the presence of the underground chemicals. These agencies include the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region (RWQCB). The agencies are overseeing, and directing, the environmental investigations and cleanup activities at the site to ensure that such actions are conducted in a safe and protective manner. The agencies are requiring further characterization of the soil and groundwater at the site. This work is currently in progress, as discussed in detail below. The environmental investigations and cleanup activities at the site are being conducted in a manner that is consistent with federal regulations for taking response actions at contaminated sites. The University’s consultants are following a site specific health and safety plan, a sampling and analysis plan, and a quality assurance project plan, all of which are consistent with the requirements of 40 C.F.R. § 300.430, the portion of the federal National Contingency Plan which requires a site specific health and safety plan, a sampling and analysis plan, and a quality assurance project plan. These plans ensure safety at the site and that the work done at the site meets the appropriate standards.
Why involve the community?
The University is committed to effective communication with the community and interested parties. It is natural to expect that there may be interest in the contamination and the response actions being taken to address these conditions. Information about the site was distributed near the beginning of this project; the University intends to provide updates to the community as the project progresses.
Do existing conditions pose a public threat?
Air Quality: Upon learning about the contamination at the site, the University immediately conducted above-ground indoor and outdoor air testing at the site and on the adjacent Marion Knott Studios property. The results of the air quality tests were consistent with typical outdoor and indoor air quality measurements in Southern California. There were no indications that the underground conditions at the site are affecting above-ground air quality. Water Quality: The drinking water for the University campus does not come from the site. Drinking water is supplied by the City of Orange Public Works Water Division and is tested regularly for safety. Testing on certain portions of the site has revealed the presence of industrial chemicals in the groundwater. The extent of this contamination is currently under investigation.
What is currently happening at the site?
The University has removed much of the former Anaconda building, with the exception of a portion that has been designated as historic. The University is constructing a parking structure and classrooms on the southern portion of the site. The principal suspected source area of contamination is located on the northeastern portion of the site. Environmental consultants have been retained to investigate and further delineate the extent of the contamination, subject to the requirements of the governmental agencies.
Is dust from the current activity at the site harmful?
During the demolition and construction activities at the site, an environmental consultant, Source Group, Inc. from Signal Hill, has been present to monitor the soil conditions and to ensure proper removal of any contaminated soil. A Soil Contingency Plan, dated July 24, 2012, was developed by Block Environmental to specifically address how to appropriately and safely identify and remove contaminated soils. The Soil Contingency Plan was reviewed and approved by the OCHCA and the RWQCB. By following the Soil Contingency Plan, Source Group Inc. will ensure proper management and handling of contaminated soil.
What is next?
In August 2013, the environmental consultants will begin implementing a work plan to further investigate the conditions at the site and on the adjacent land. The current work plan dated July 23, 2013 was prepared by Geosyntec Consultants and is entitled, “Supplemental Site Investigation Work Plan.” The work plan was developed to define and set forth the work required by the government agencies, as follows:
- At the direction of the oversight agencies, Geosyntec Consultants prepared a work plan dated November 9, 2012 entitled, “Supplemental Investigation Work Plan,” to further investigate the soil, groundwater and soil gas conditions at the site.
- After submission of the November 9, 2012 work plan, however, the RWQCB directed the University and Geosyntec Consultants to conduct additional sampling in the suspected source area that was not in the November 9, 2012 work plan.
- Geosyntec Consultants then prepared another work plan focused on soil and groundwater sampling in the suspected source area. This work plan, entitled, “Work Plan for Supplemental Source Area Investigation,” was submitted to the RWQCB and approved on March 11, 2013. The work was conducted by the Source Group and on April 25, 2013, a report entitled, “Supplemental Source Area Investigation,” was submitted to the RWQCB.
- The RWQCB directed the University to conduct additional analysis of the samples the Source Group obtained when implementing the Work Plan for Supplemental Source Area Investigation. Addenda were added to the Supplemental Source Area Investigation report, as follows: on May 8, 2013, Addendum I to Supplemental Source Area Investigation, Low-Level Analysis of 1,4-Dioxane in Soil; and on June 14, 2013, Addendum II to Supplemental Source Area Investigation, Metals in Soil.
- After receiving the Addenda, the RWQCB directed the University to revise the November 9, 2012, Supplemental Investigation Work Plan based on the information obtained since November 2012.
- On June 18, 2013, Geosyntec Consultants submitted a Supplemental Site Investigation Work Plan to the RWQCB, which was further revised on July 23, 2013 to include additional groundwater wells in response to RWQCB demands.
- RWQCB approved the Supplemental Site Investigation Work Plan by email on August 5, 2013.
What does the Supplemental Site Investigation Work Plan include?
The July 23, 2013 Supplemental Site Investigation Work Plan includes additional soil vapor, soil, and groundwater sampling. In order to collect these additional samples, the consultants will drill new soil vapor probes and groundwater monitoring wells on the site and on adjacent land. These new probes and wells will be sampled and tested to further the understanding of the contamination. The locations of the off-site probes and wells are required by the RWQCB to confirm the extent of the contamination. This work is expected to begin as early as the week of August 5, 2013, and will continue over the next several months. The work will be conducted pursuant to a site specific health and safety plan to ensure that it is done in a safe manner.
How was the environmental contractor who will implement the Supplemental Site Investigation Work Plan selected?
The University conducted a bidding process and solicited bids from three qualified environmental consultants. As a result, the University selected Environmental Engineering & Contracting, Inc. (EEC) located in Santa Ana. EEC expects to break ground shortly after the RWQCB gives final approval of the Supplemental Site Investigation Work Plan. EEC likely will be on site during the months of August and September 2013.
What is the next step after the Supplemental Site Investigation Work Plan?
The Supplemental Site Investigation Work Plan includes a pilot test of the feasibility of soil vapor extraction technology to remediate some portion of the subsurface conditions at the site. Soil vapor extraction is a technology that has proven effective in similar situations to remove volatile organic compounds, such as those present in the soil under the site. The exact timing of the pilot test is uncertain, but it is expected to be in operation by the end of 2013. The RWQCB or OCHCA may require further work at the site depending on the results of the upcoming field work and the pilot test.
Where can I get additional information or provide comments?
Further information regarding the site, including copies of the various documents mentioned above, is available at anacondawiresite.com.
For additional information, please contact either Mark Hickner, Community Involvement Coordinator, c/o KTGY Group, 17922 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92614, 949-268-8530, mhickner@ktgy.com; or Jason Gavin, Project Manager, c/o KTGY Group, 17922 Fitch, Irvine, CA 92614, 949-567-3459, jgavin@ktgy.com.
*added 4/2/2014*
For additional information, please contact Kris Olsen, Vice President of Campus Planning & Operations, One University Dr., Orange, CA 92866, or at kolsen@chapman.edu or 714 744 7880.
October 30, 2012
Report Documents
Please click the hyperlink to view the full reports:
- [2012-05-25] Report of Phase II Investigation (MKS)
- [2012-03-08] Vapor Extraction Pilot Test Report
- [2012-03-07] Groundwater Monitoring Well Installation Report
- [2012-01-18] Additional Site Assessment Activities Report
- [2011-11-23] Additional Subsurface Investigation Report
- [2011-10-05] Subsurface Investigation Report
October 17, 2012
Community Involvement Plan: Chapman University
Anaconda Wire Site Orange, CA
Purpose of Community Involvement Plan:
This Community Involvement Plan summarizes how we plan to involve and inform stakeholders and interested parties about the contamination at the Anaconda Wire Site. This plan is Chapman University’s “road map” for how we plan to work with the community on the hazardous waste cleanup at the site. It also outlines the methods we will use to keep the public up to date on our work, and opportunities for the public to become involved in future investigation and cleanup activities. The plan can be updated at any time as we receive new information. Please call (949) 268-8530, Community Involvement Coordinator, to share your ideas and concerns.
Community Involvement Goals:
- Provide useful and timely information on site activities and progress
- Provide opportunities for public participation and comment
- Establish open communication, responding to questions and concerns as they arise
- Evaluate how well community involvement activities work and make changes as needed
How We Will Keep You Informed:
*added 4/2/2014*
For additional information, please contact Kris Olsen, Vice President of Campus Planning & Operations, One University Dr., Orange, CA 92866, or at kolsen@chapman.edu or 714 744 7880.
We will use many tools to keep you informed and involved about the hazardous waste cleanup work on the Anaconda Wire Site. These may include:
E-Mail and Telephone Contacts:
If you have questions about this site, this plan, or would like additional information, please call, write, or e-mail:
Mark Hickner
Community Involvement Coordinator
c/o KTGY Group
17922 Fitch Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 268-8530
Fax: (949) 221-6251
E-mail: mhickner@ktgy.com
Jason Gavin
Project Manager
c/o KTGY Group
17922 Fitch Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 567-3459
Fax: (949) 221-6251
E-mail: jgavin@ktgy.com
Fact Sheets: Fact sheets summarizing key information will be developed as needed and updated at least annually.
Public Notices: Public notices in local publications will be used initially to inform the public about the website and in the future to inform the public about major site activities with detailed information to be made available on the website.
Website: Project information including fact sheets and background information can be found at the following Website:
Meetings: Meetings will be held initially and periodically with representatives from the City of Orange, local community organizations and university faculty, staff and student leaders.
What Agencies Have Oversight of the Cleanup Efforts?:
- Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA)
- California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region (RWQCB)
About the Anaconda Wire Site:
Before breaking ground on the proposed Filmmakers Village project, Chapman University contracted with an outside company to evaluate environmental conditions underneath the Anaconda Wire Site. The testing revealed the presence of chemicals beneath part of the site, which was originally planned for student housing, and included underground soil gas that had migrated across Maple Street. The chemicals appear to be left over from long-past industrial activity at the property, where a company called Anaconda Wire & Cable formerly operated for several decades. The University had been advised that there were no significant environmental issues prior to its purchase of the property.
Above ground testing of air—including inside Marion Knott Studios—was conducted as a precaution. The air quality tests were consistent with typical outdoor and indoor air quality measurements in Southern California. There were no indications that the underground conditions at and near the Anaconda Wire Site are affecting above-ground air quality including air inside the Marion Knott Studios.
While tests reveal the presence of industrial chemicals in the groundwater underneath the Anaconda Wire Site, data from March 2011 does not suggest that industrial chemicals have reached the local drinking water supply wells. Drinking water for the campus comes from the City of Orange Public Works Water Division, which tests the water supply regularly for safety.
We are coordinating with the appropriate environmental oversight agencies to determine whether additional testing of underground conditions is necessary and what actions will be needed to remediate those conditions. The agencies are requiring further characterization of the soil and groundwater at the site; we will address those conditions when the most appropriate measures are determined.
After due consideration, we have decided that the wisest course of action is to alter our plans regarding Filmmakers Village. For example, Chapman University is now exploring other locations for student housing near Dodge College. This housing likely will be designed to accommodate the same number of students originally planned for Filmmakers Village. At the same time, we are still planning to build a parking structure and redevelop the historic structure on the southern half of the Anaconda Wire Site. That historic building will house new digital arts classrooms and offices for Chapman faculty.
As part of redevelopment of the Anaconda Wire Site, non-historic portions of the existing building on-site will be demolished and removed from the property. This demolition is necessary in order to allow access to existing environmental conditions underneath the Anaconda Wire Site. The demolition activities will include some remediation. For example, as hot spots are uncovered during demolition, the University will need to address them as part of the Soil Contingency Plan developed pursuant to agency directive for implementation during demolition. Such action will not address the full remediation of the site — but rather, just any localized hot spots on or near the surface that are discovered during demolition.
As we develop more definitive information about these and other plans for Chapman’s growth, we will share them with you here at www.anacondawiresite.com.
October 17, 2012
Anaconda Wire Site Map
(click to enlarge)
Anaconda Wire Site 