Summary Information
(last updated on: 9/24/2018 5:29:01 PM)
(9/21/18 DEH) The Columbia Helicopters (CHI) site is located near Aurora, Oregon. CHI has operated at the 19.5 –acre site since 1976 . Site operations consist of rebuilding, repairing, and maintenance of helicopters. From 1976 to 1985, wastes from parts cleaning, paint stripping, and etching and alodyning activities were discharged to a dry well at the site.
In October 1986, CHI removed the dry well and approximately 100 tons of soil containing chemicals. However, because of the close proximity of site buildings to the dry well, excavation ceased before all of the visually impacted soil was removed to protect the integrity of the buildings.
CHI began investigating the extent of contamination at the facility in 1987 under DEQ oversight. Investigation results indicated that soil and groundwater near the dry well contained solvents, primarily 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) and dichloroethene (DCE). The TCA- and DCE-containing groundwater extends approximately 1200 feet northeast and east of the facility. The depth of the plume offsite is between 65 to 80 feet below ground surface. The chemicals did not contaminated the deeper Troutdale Aquifer, which is the regional drinking water aquifer. Domestic wells in the area access groundwater from the deeper Troutsdale formation and solvents have not been detected in these wells.
CHI initiated interim groundwater extraction and treatment in 1991 to provide containment of the chemical-containing groundwater. CHI submitted a Final Corrective Measures Report. After considering public comments, the DEQ selected the site cleanup program for the site and entered a Record of Decision (ROD). The ROD required several activities inlcuding more groundwater pump and treat, soil vapor extraction, replacing two domestic wells.
CHI entered into a Consent Decree in 2000 to complete the cleanup as specified in the ROD. In September 2018 DEQ issued Certification of Completion indicating completion of the main elements of the remedial action have been complete. The Certification requires ongoing actions including continued groundwater monitoring and reporting, annual notices to owners of affected properties, annual water well development review, and an annual review of site institutional controls.
| Site: |
Columbia Helicopters (ECSI Site ID: 30) |
CERCLIS (EPA) Id | |
| Project Manager: |
Donald Hanson |
Investigative Status: | Listed on the Confirmed Release List or Inventory |
| PM Phone: |
(541) 687-7349
|
NPL(National Priority Listing): | No |
| Address: |
14452 Arndt Rd. NE |
Is this site an Orphan? | No |
| Aurora,
97002 |
Is this site a brownfield? | No |
| County: |
MARION |
Action Underway or Needed: |
Periodic Review |
| Region: |
Western Region |
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NOTE: This site has one or more long-term controls designed to manage site risks.
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