Kinnetic Laboratories, Inc

Scope Of Work

In September 2007, the EPA added the former Halaco Engineering Company (Halaco) facility and adjacent areas of contamination (the Site) to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). A large smelter for processing scrap metal was operated on the Site for about 40 years up until 2004. Smelter waste solids and liquids were deposited directly on a waste pile located on a 26-acre parcel directly east of the smelter. Waste contaminants consisted primarily of heavy metals and radionuclides (thorium and decay products). Land surrounding the site consists of a seasonal tidal lagoon and wetlands located at the mouth of the Oxnard Industrial Drain, which bisects the site, Nature Conservatory Land (special habitat) to the north and east of the waste pile, and sand dune and beach habitat. Shortly after being added to the NPL, the EPA began a remedial investigation (RI) to determine the nature and extent of contamination at the Site, to identify human health and ecological risks posed by the contamination, and to identify areas needing remediation.

Kinnetic Laboratories was contracted to provide specialized soil and sediment sampling services in support of the RI. Hundreds of surface and subsurface samples were collected on land and in waters surrounding the Site. This was a particularly challenging project because it involved accessing hard to reach lagoon, beach, wetland, and Nature Conservancy land where natural resource protection were necessary during the sampling efforts. A variety of innovative sampling techniques were employed including Vibracoring, push coring, grab sampling, and auguring using several sampling platforms including small boats, a barge, and a modified all terrain fork lift. All required sediment and soil samples were successfully collected. Kinnetic laboratories also worked closely with USEPA personnel and an innovative sensor rigging system to perform in situ radionuclide measurements in the sediments from the lagoon and Oxnard Industrial Drain.