Reevaluting the CERCLA Process: A Case Study at Beaverdam Road Landfill

Abstract

This case study consists of a reassessment of the decision making process and chosen remedial action for the Beaverdam Road Landfill (BDRLF) Superfund site. Analyses incorporate case study review, site data, and experimental results to assess whether the chosen remedial action meets the EPA goals of protecting human health and the environment. The case study evaluation produced conclusions used to assess the chosen remedial action. For site analysis, I reassessed the original data interpretation using pertinent soil gas, soil, surface water, and groundwater data. Experimental work consisted of a batch experiment testing the ability of various biowall media and amendments to degrade TCE relative to site soil and a negative control. I concluded that although CERCLA was generally followed, absence of clear remedial goals and limited interpretation of site data resulted in a remedial action which does not meet the EPA's goal of protecting human health and the environment.