Hutchinson, KS — 4th and Carey Site Groundwater and Source Control Measures at Two Grain Elevators

The 4^th and Carey Site, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Identification Number KSD061608006, is located in Hutchinson, Kansas in Reno County. The site encompasses approximately 1,240 acres. Groundwater contamination at the site was discovered in the early 1980s when the EPA and Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) began testing public water supply wells. A city of Hutchinson well, located at the intersection of 4th Avenue and Carey Street, was found to be contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The groundwater contamination findings conducted by EPA and the KDHE led to the establishment of the 4^th and Carey site in 1994 with the city of Hutchinson assuming the lead role in order to keep the site from being placed on EPA's National Priority List (Superfund). Agreements were reached with potential responsible parties (PRPs) for the contamination. Investigations at the site conducted by CDM for the city resulted in the identification of six carbon tetrachloride (CT) source areas; one trichloroethene (TCE) source area; one tetrachloroethene (PCE) and TCE source area; and two areas impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons. The TCE and PCE/TCE source areas are being addressed by the property owners under KDHE oversight. The areas impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons and one of the CT source areas are being monitored by the city. The remaining CT source areas required the implementation of source control measures for CT and its degradation products, primarily chloroform (CFM).