Gelman Sciences Dioxane Project
Ann Arbor, MI

Correspondence between TOSC and the U.S. EPA concerning the PLS site;

After the August 4th TOSC meeting in Ann Arbor, information was forwarded to Dr. Larry Lemke on Scott Huling, an EPA contact familiar with 1,4-dioxane in the U.S. EPA Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center in Ada, OK. Dr. Lemke contacted Dr. Huling to inquire about EPA participation in the Pall-Gelman remediation activities. The following is a very brief summary, from Dr. Lemke, of the information he learned from speaking with Dr. Huling (and subsequently with Luanne Vanderpool, an EPA Region 5 Superfund Hydrogeologist in Chicago).

After reviewing some of the information available on the web concerning the PLS 1,4-Dioxane contamination, both Dr. Huling and Ms. Vanderpool expressed the view that, from outward appearances, site remediation efforts appear to be progressing reasonably well and the PRP appears to be reasonably diligent. Dr. Huling also suggested that reinjection of treated water should be reconsidered - perhaps with a pilot test to demonstrate feasibility.

For more information on 1,4-Dioxane, Dr. Huling provided a link to an EPA website with additional
http://cluin.org/contaminantfocus/default.focus/sec/1,4-Dioxane/cat/Overview/

These opinions are paraphrased from conversations between Drs. Lemke and Huling and Ms. Vanderpool and are by no means meant to be construed as anything other than their initial impressions.

Ms. Vanderpool explained that, although this site might be of 'Superfund caliber,' U.S. EPA was not directly involved because it was being handled by the MDEQ under Part 201. Unless the state expressly requests EPA's assistance, EPA generally does not participate. However, EPA participation could be secured in response to a Congressional request. Also it might be possible to get the EPA involved at the request of a local governmental agency (such as the City of Ann Arbor).

Dr. Huling and Ms. Vanderpool may be contacted at the addresses listed below:

Scott Huling
Kerr Lab, Ada, OK
huling.scott@epamail.epa.gov
580-436-8610

Luanne Vanderpool
EPA Region V, Chicago, IL
vanderpool.luanne@epa.gov
312-353-9296