A release of gamma radiation above a 2 times (2X) and three times (3X) background range was identified at the former Air Capital Dial site. Since radium-226 paint was known to have been used at the facility when in operation, the elevated gamma radiation detections are directly indicative of Ra-226 releases at the site, possibly inside the building. Higher radiation levels from paint spillage, flushing in pipes, floorboards and subgrade contamination are present inside the structure.
The ground water results also indicate an off-site source of tetrachloroethene (PCE) exists that will be investigated as a separate site by KDHE in a separate pre-CERCLIS screening which will be called the 2nd and Dodge site. The site is located in a residential area.
In 2008, KDHE negotiated a Consent Order with Air Capital Dial to address the site. However, in March 2010, KDHE was informed that Air Capitol Dial is unable to proceed with site characterization/excavation due to financial constraints, and have instead elected to dissolve and liquidate the corporation. Consequently, KDHE referred this site to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for removal action.
At the request of KDHE, the EPA conducted a Removal Assessment in 2010, and a partial Multi-Agency Radiation Survey and Site Investigation on the interior of the structure in the fall of 2011. In March 2012, EPA completed a fund-lead Removal Action of radium contaminated soil. As part of the Removal Action, the building was demolished and various waste types were segregated for disposal.
Based on EPA's May 8, 2012 Pollution/Situation Report, 33.55 tons of non-contaminated construction and demolition (C&D) materials were disposed at the Brooks C&D Landfill in Wichita and 346.81 tons of low level radiological contaminated waste and soil was shipped to the U.S. Ecology’s disposal facility in Grand View, Idaho.
All removal actions have been completed at the site. |