OLD FIREFIGHTING TRAINING AREA Fact Sheet Update (September 2004) INTRODUCTION At this site (IRP Site 09), the Navy has conducted a Phase 1 Remedial Investigation, a source removal investigation, a human health risk assessment, a marine ecological risk assessment, and is currently completing the Remedial Investigation. This site is currently referred to as Katy Field. BACKGROUND The 5.5 acre site adjacent to Narragansett Bay was used to train Navy personnel in fighting ship-board fires. Several buildings were present to simulate ship compartments, and these with several burning pits and paved areas served as the principal areas of activity. By 1972, most of the buildings were demolished. Two soil mounds are currently the primary features. Based on previous investigations it has been estimated that demolition debris from the former training buildings and pavement are beneath the mounds. The site was used for recreation from 1974 until 1998. A child day care center was also in operation at the site until 1994. PREVIOUS STUDIES An Initial Assessment Study was conducted in 1983 that concluded that since the area had been excavated extensively, and no environmental problem had been reported, the site did not pose any threat. However, oil was found in the subsurface soil in 1987 during work to expand the child day-care center. In 1992, the Navy initiated a Remedial Investigation (RI) that included this area. The Phase 1 RI reported in 1994 that VOCs, pesticides and fuel components were present in soils and groundwater. It was determined at that time the contaminant concentrations did not pose an immediate threat to humans. The Navy reviewed the findings of the Phase 1 RI in the fall of 1996. A study was initiated to attempt to define possible continuing sources of oil contamination to the property. However none were found, and it was determined that the oil was likely immobile and degrading.

In 1998 the EPA requested that Katy Field and the recreational area around it be closed due to elevated concentrations of metals that were reported in the 1994 RI report. The Navy immediately performed a human health risk assessment at Katy Field which concluded that risks to site users were negligible. However, studies did report that lead was present in surface soils at a concentration in excess of the residential criteria RIDEM published in 1996. An ecological risk assessment was conducted in the harbor adjacent to the site in 1998. This study found some potential for risk to ecological receptors in the near shore areas from contaminants related to old fuel releases. A Feasibility Study was completed in 2002 to evaluate remedial action alternatives to restore the site for unlimited use. Based on that study, the Navy announced intentions in July 2003 to conduct a soil removal action to remove the contaminants from the on-shore portion of the site. A fact sheet was published and an informational open house was hosted by the Navy in July 2003 to present plans for soil removal actions in 2004 and 2005. Design of the removal effort has commenced, and will be on-going through next year. RECENT ACTIVITIES The Navy has completed an Action Memorandum and began soil removals at the site in August. This will be a phased effort to remove debris mounds first, and then do the soil excavation as needed. This first phase will be completed late October 2004. NEXT STEPS The Navy anticipates completion of soil removal actions in 2006. Additional monitoring of the sediment and groundwater is expected to continue after soil remediation. The Navy will keep the public informed of progress through the Restoration Advisory Board and other outreach programs.

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