HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSHW-2013-006087 - 0901a068803cc1c3State
Department of
Environmental Quality
Amanda Smith
Erecutive Director
DIVISION OF SOLID AND
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Scott T. Anderson
Director
Solid rDd HazardoNWrste Control Borrd
Kevin M!ft^y, C hoir
Dennis Riding, I/r'ce-Crat
Eugene Col€, DIPH
JeffCoombs, MPH, LEHS
Mark Franc
Brett Mickelson
Amanda Smith
Shane Whihey
Dwayne Woolley
Scott T. Anderson
Executive Secrctory
GARY R. HERBERT
SPENCER J, COX
Lieuterant Gorenor
November 19.2013
George Gooch, Manager
ATK Environmental Services
ATK Launch Systems - Promontory
P.O. Box 707
Brigham City, UT 84302-0707
RE: Air Dispersion Modeling Report Addendum for Open Burning and Open Detonation
ATK Launch Systems - Promontory Facility
uTD009081357
Dear Mr. Gooch:
The Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste has completed its review of the Air Dispersion Modeling
Addendum Report for open burning and open detonation at the ATK Promontory facility. Comments are
enclosed.
This modeling was conducted with a hybrid approach that utilized preliminary modeling work conducted
with OBODM and dispersion modeling that was conducted with the EPA prefened model AERMOD. In
general, the Hybrid Air Dispersion Modeling Report appears to follow the methodology outlined in the 2013
Addendum Air Dispersion Modeling Protocol for Open Burning And Open Detonation at ATK Launch
Systems in Promontory, Utah Hybrid Air Dispersion Modeling Protocol.
However, some sections ofthe report text lack the level ofdetail necessary to determine how portions ofthe
air modeling analysis (e.g., calculation ofthe emission rates listed in Tables 4 -2, 4-3, 4-5, and 4-6) were
completed. The enclosed general and specific comments identify the areas of the text where additional
information is needed as well as specifying the type of information that should be provided.
Please provide responses to the enclosed comments on or before December 20,2013. Ifyou have any
questions, please call JeffVandel at (801) 536-0257.
195 Norrh 1950 West - Salt Lake City,I-IT
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 144880. Salt Lake City, L_fT 841144880
Telephone (Eol) 5364200. Fax (801) 536{222. T.D.D. (801) 536-44t4
r&xo.dcq ah.gov
Pdnted on I 00% recycled paper
Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste
DSHW-2013406087
Page 2
STA/JV/KK
Enclosure
c: Blair Palmer, ATK Launch Systems
Paul Hancock, ATK Launch SYstems
Cheryl Overskeet, EPA Region 8
Grant Koford, EHS, Environmental Health Director, Bear fuver Health Deparhnent
UTAH DIVISION OF'SOLID AI{D HAZARDOUS WASTE
TECTINICAL REVIEW OF'
ADDENDUM AIR DISPERSION MODELING REPORT F'OR OPEN BURNING AND OPEN
DETONATION AT ATKLAUNCH SYSTEMS IN PROMONTORY. UTAH
JUNE 2OI3
The following comments were generated based on an evaluation of the Addendum Air Dispersion
Modeling Report for Open Buming and Open Detonation at ATK Launch Systems in Promontory, Utah
dated Jure 2013 (Hybrid Air Modeling Report).
GENERAL COMMENTS:
1. The third sentence of the first paragraph in Section 4.3.1, Open Buming, indicates that cloud
diameter for OB was assumed to be four times the equivalent diameter of the bum pans with the
equivalent diameter calculated from the total area covered by the reactive waste to te treated.
No other information regarding the determination of the vapor cloud diameter for OB is
provided. In addition, Section 4.3.2, Open Detonation, states the initial dimension ofthe vapor
cloud for OD operations was obtained directly from OBODM for each combination of wind
speed category and atrnospheric stability. Based on the information currently provided, it is not
clear why this same approach was not used to determine the vapor cloud diameters for OB
operations as the text does not indicate that OBODM carurot calculate the initial release diameter
for quasi-continuous releases (i.e., open bums). Please revise Section 4.3.1 to explain how the
equivalent diameter is calculated from the total area covered by reactive waste. The explanation
should be accompanied by an example calculation. In addition, a table of all the vapor cloud
diameters used in the OBODM of OB operations should be included in the text. Finally, please
ensure that the expanded discussion notes this approach for estimating the vapor cloud diameter
was proposed in the March 2013 Hybrid Air Modeling Protocol and discussed with the Division
of Solid and Hazardous Waste.
2. Based on the information available in Attachment 4, Modeling Inputs/Outputs, it is not clear that
all AERMOD files used in the hybrid air modeling analysis have been submitted to the Division.
Please review the files already submitted and determine ifadditional files should be provided.
For example, it is not clear that the AERMOD output files containing the air concentrations and
deposition fluxes (based on a unit emission rate) that will be used in the risk assessment have
been submitted for review. Please revise Attachment 4 to ensure all modeling files used in the
assessment of ambient air quality impacts and to be used in the risk assessment are submitted to
the Division.
3. The protocols and preliminary modeling that the hybrid modeling is based on should be clearly
identified either in the Introduction or Section 2.0 of the report. For example, in Section 3.1, at
the bottom of page 4, it states that "The NAAQS modeling used emission rates from the
preliminary modeling," but the preliminary modeling report is not referenced. In addition, the
protocol for the preliminary modeling is mentioned at the beginning ofparagraph four, but the
document is not referenced. Also, please add "ODOBi test chamber" to the fourth paragraph in
the Introduction where the Dugway Proving Ground Bang Box is discussed to clarify that the
emission factors are based on data collected at the ODOBi test chamber.
SPECIFIC COMMENTS:
1. Section 3.1, NAAQS Analysis, Page 4: The first end note to Table 3-1, Criteria Pollutants
Considered in NAAQS Compliance Demonstration, indicates that carbon monoxide (CO) and
lead (Pb) NAAQS were not included in the NAAQS analysis because previous modeling had
demonstrated compliance with NAAQS. No additional information on the previous modeling
analysis is provided. Please revise this end note to include a reference to the regulatory report
containing the modeling that demonstmtes compliance with the NAAQS for CO and Pb.
2. Table 3-3, Acute and Chronic Air Toxic Screening Levels, Page 6: It appears that the Utah
TSLs listed for acrylonitrile, benzene, arsenic and cobalt may be incorrect based on a comparison
to the 2012 ACGIH - TSLs and ETVs - Final Table that is currently used by the Utah Division
of Air Quality. Based on this Table, it appears that the TSLs should be as follows:
Acrylonitrile - 145 ug/mr
Benzene ------ l8 ug/m'
Arsenic--------- 0.1 I uglmr
Cobalt ------ 0.67 ug/m'
3. Section 4.1.1, M-136 Stations, Page 9: Please clarify the discussion at the beginning ofthis
section regarding the different buming and detonation scenarios tlat could occur at M-l36.
What does "any one of the following altemative and mutually exclusive scenarios" mean
exactly? The different scenarios that could occur should be identified and it may be helpful to
give a few examples of the scenarios that are likely to occur. Also, please explain how the
modeling that was done supports all ofthe potential treatrnent scenarios at M-l36.
4. Section 4.1.2,M-225 Stations, Page 10: As requested above, please clarifr what is meant by
the statement describtrg potential teatrnent scenarios at M-225, "any one ofthe following
altemative and mutually exclusive scenarios could occur." Please clarify the different scenarios
that could occur at M-225 and explain how the modeling that was done supports all ofthe
potential treatment scenarios at M-225.
5. Section 4.2.1, Open Burning, Page 1l: The next to last sentence in the paragraph at the top of
Page 1l states: "To ensure a conservative impact assessment, the minimum cloud height out of
these three wind speeds were considered for each combination of atmospheric stability and wind
speed category." The Draft Hybrid Air Modeling Report does not provide any additional
information on this approach. This discussion should be expanded to include information
supporting the assertion that use ofthe minimum vapor cloud height results in a conservative
estimate of potential air quality impacts for the combinations of atmospheric stability and wind
speed categories addressed in the hybrid air modeling analysis. Please revise Section 4.2.1 to
address this issue. Please demonstrate tlat selection of the minimum cloud height produces the
most conservative results with respect to the magnitude ofpredicted air quality impacts at the
facility fence line and at discrete receptor locations of interest in the risk assessment (i.e.,
receptors located relatively close to the modeled source, receptors located relatively far from the
modeled source, and receptors located in complex tenain). Please ensure the expanded
discussion notes this approach was proposed in the March 2013 Hybrid Air Modeling Protocol
and discussed with the Division.
6. Section 4.2.1, Open Burning, Page 11: The last sentence ofthe paragraph at the top of page 11
indicates that an example ofthe cloud height calculation is presented in Attachment 1, Example
for the Cloud Height Calculation. Attachment 1 lists the predicted cloud heights predicted by
OBODM for atmospheric stability class D and wind speeds l0 miles per hour (mph), 1 1.25 mph,
and 12.5 mph. The attachment also identifies the predicted cloud heights that will be used as
inputs to AERMOD for this combination of atmospheric stability class and range of wind speeds.
Attachment I does not actually illustrate the calculation ofthe cloud heights; the calculation is
performed by OBODM. Rather, Attachment I lists the results obtained from the model. As
such, tables similar to Attachment I should be provided for each atmospheric stability class and
range of wind speeds included in the OBODM modeling effort. Please revise Attachment 1 to
include a table for each atrnospheric stability class and range of wind speeds addressed using
OBODM.
7. Section 4-2.2, Open Detonation, Page 11: Section 4.2.2 indicates the same procedure described
for OB in Section 4.2.1 was used to determine vapor cloud height for OD operations. Tables
listing the vapor cloud heights for OD predicted by OBODM should be presented in tl-re text.
Similar to the tabulated information requested for OB, a separate table should be provided for
each combination of atrnospheric stability class and range of wind speeds. Please revise the
Draft Hybrid Modeling Report to address this issue.
'8. Section 4.3.2, Open Detonation, Page 11: Section 4.3.2 indicates the initial dimension ofthe
vapor cloud for OD operations was obtained directly from OBODM for each combination of
wind speed category and atrnospheric stability. Tables listing the initial vapor cloud dimensions
for OD predicted by OBODM should be presented in the text. A separate table should be
provided for each combination of atmospheric stability class and range of wind speeds. Please
revise the Draft Hybrid Modeling Report to address this issue.
9. Section 4.5.1, M-136 Stations, Page 13: Table 4-1 lists the source characteristics used as inputs
to OBODM when modeling the five potential operation scenarios at M-136 addressed in the
Draft Hybrid Modeling Report. Four of rhe scenarios, M-136-Al, M-136-A2, M-136-A3, and
M-136-B are for OB operations. The fifth, M-136-C addresses OD at M-136 Stations 13 and 14.
However, the information curently presented in the table implies that all scenarios are associated
with OB. For clarity, a row indicating whether the scenario is associated with OB or OD should
be added to Table 4-1. Please revise Table 4-1 to address this issue.
10. Section 4.5.1, M-136 stations, Page 13: Table 4-1 lists a single volume source diameter for
operating scenario M-136-C. Section 4.3.2 previously noted that initial vapor cloud dimensions
were obtained directly from OBODM "for each combination of wind speed category and
atmospheric stability." It is not clear why a single diameter value is provided in the table. Please
revise Table 4-1 to explain how the value listed in the table for M-136-C is sufficient to represent
all combinations of wind speed and atmospheric stability addressed in the OBODM modeling
effort. If a technically defensible explanation cannot be provided, please revise Table 4-1 to
include a reference to the location ofthe volume source diameters obtained directly from
OBODM for each combination of wind speed and atmospheric stability.
11. Section 4.5.1, M-136 Stations, Page 13: Tables 4-2 and 4-3list the actual emissions rates used
in the analysis of ambient impacts for Criteria Pollutants and Air Toxics, respectively. However,
it is not clear how the values listed in the tables were calculated. The explanation offered in
Section 4.5.1 (and in Section 3.2, Air Toxics Analysis) indicates the emission rates were
multiplied by the daily quantity treated for each scenario (listed in Table 4-1) but does not
indicate the number of treatment events occurring each day and does not clearly explain how the
time (i.e., duration) ofeach event is incorporated into the calculation. While the calculation
appears to be based on an event duration ofone hour, Table 4-1 lists durations between 15 and
45 minutes for OB and five seconds for OD. Please revise Sections 3.2 and 4.5.1 to include a
more detailed description of the calculation of these emissions rates. For clarity, it is
recommended that an example calculation be included as part of the description. In addition, it
appears that the title of Table 3-4 and the right hand column heading should be changed to
indicate that the emission factors are not rates.
12. Section 4.5.2,M-225 Stations, Page 15: Table 4-2lists the source characteristics used as inputs
to OBODM when modeling the two potential operation scenarios atM-225 addressed in the
Draft Hybrid Modeling Report. One the scenarios, M-225-A represents an OB operation.
Scenario M-225-B addresses OD atM-225 Station l. However, the information cunently
presented in the table implies that all scenarios are associated with OB. For clarity, a row
indicating whether the scenario is associated with OB or OD should be added to Table 4-2.
Please revise Table 4-2 to address this issue.
13. Section 4.5,2,M-225 Stations, Page 15: Table 4-2lists a single volume source diameter for
operating scenario M-225-8. Section 4.3.2 previously noted that initial vapor cloud dimensions
were obtained directly from OBODM "for each combination of wind speed category and
atmospheric stability." It is not clear why a single diameter value is provided in the table. Please
revise Table 4-2 to explain how the value listed in the table for M-225-B is sufficient to represent
all combinations of wind speed and atmospheric stability addressed in the OBODM modeling
effort. If a technically defensible explanation cannot be provided, please revise Table 4'2 to
include a reference to the location of the volume source diameters obtained directly from
OBODM for each combination of wind speed and atmospheric stability.
14. Section 4.5.2, M-225 Stations, Pages 15 and 16: Tables 4-5 and 4-6 list the actual emissions
rates used in the analysis of ambient impacts for Criteria Pollutants and Air Toxics, respectively.
However, it is not clear how the values listed in the tables were calculated. The explanation
offered in Section 4.5.2 (as well as in Section 3.2) indicates the emission rates were multiplied
by the daily quantity treated for each scenario (listed in Table 4-4) but does not indicate the
number of treatment events occurring each day and does not clearly explain how the time of each
event is incorporated into the calculation. The calculation appears to be based on an event
duration of one hour. However, Table 4-4 lists a duration between 15 and 45 minutes for OB
and five seconds for OD. Please revise Section 4.5.2 to include a more detailed description of
the calculation of these emissions rates. For clarity, it is recommended that an example
calculation be included as part of the description.
15. Section 6.0, Meteorological Data, Page 18: The first paragraph of Section 6.0 indicates frve
years of meteorological data were obtained from the site for use in the preliminary modeling.
However, this description does not provide the level of detail needed to determine the location at
which the data were collected or identifu the model application in which the data were used. In
addition, no additional information on the location (e.g., figure or discussion that establishes the
relationship between the data collection site and the location ofthe modeled sources) or the
preliminary modeling is provided in Section 6.0. Please revise Section 6.0 to identif the
location at which the meteorological data were collected. Please illustrate or otherwise establish
the spatial relationship between the data collection site and the location ofthe modeled sources.
Also, please identify the preliminary modeling analysis mentioned in the frst sentence ofthe
first paragraph of Section 6.0. Ifthis phrase does not refer to the modeling ofinitial vapor cloud
dimensions using OBODM, the meteorological data used in predicting those dimensions should
be identified and discussed.
16. Section 6.0, Meteorological Data, Page 18: The last sentence of Section 6.0 refers readers to
the March 2013 Hybrid Air Modeling Protocol for details regarding the land use and surface
characteristics used in processing the meteorological data. To ensure a clear and complete
description of the air modeling analyses are provided in the Draft Hybrid Air Modeling Repor!
the information from the protocol document should be included in Section 6.0. In addition,
copies ofany maps, photographs, or figures used in determining land use should be provided.
Please revise the Draft Hybrid Air Modeling Report to include the information on land use and
surface characteristics refened to in the last sentence of Section 6.0. Please include copies of
any maps, photographs, or figures used in determining land use and/or surface characteristics.
17. Section 6.0, Meteorological Data, Page 18: The AERSURFACE files from the hybrid air
modeling effort were not found in Attachment 4, Modeling Inputs/Oulputs. Please ensure that all
AERSURIACE files are submitted along with future revisions of the Hybrid Air Modeling
Report.
18. Section 6.0, Meteorological Data, Page 18: The model-ready meteorological data file used in
OBODM to determine vapor cloud dimensions was not found among the meteorological files
submitted in Attachment 4 of the Draft Hybrid Air Modeling Report. Please ensure this frle is
submitted along with future revisions of the report document.
19. Section 7.0, Receptor Grid Layout, Page 19: The Draft Hybrid Air Modeling Report does not
include figures illustrating the modeled receptor grids. Lists ofthe receptors are provided in the
AERMAP files found in Attachment 4. Please revise the report to include plots of these receptor
locations overlaid on a site and/or topographic map (depending on scale). In addition, please
include the on and off-site maximum locations modeled by AERMOD for each pollutant phase
and source on the receptor plots (e.g. see the l,iy 2012 Air Dispersion Modeling Report, Figures
3-l and 3-2).
20. Section 9.0, Compliance Demonstration with NAAQS and Air Toxic Standards, Page 22:
At the beginning ofSection 3.0, on page four, it states that the objective ofthe air quality
analysis was to determine compliance with all applicable NAAQS and air toxics. At the
beginning ofSection 9.0, on page 22, it states that the objective of the modeling was to
determine cornpliance with all applicable NAAQS and air toxics. Please revise the report to
indicate that another objective ofthe modeling was to provide the necessary input for the HHRA.
21. Section 10,2, Pollutant Phases, Page 28: The first full paragraph on Page 28 indicates a
velocity of 0.03 meters per second (m/sec) was used in the AERMOD modeling of gas phase dry
deposition. The discussion indicates the value was taken from EPA's HHRAP. However,
Section 3.6.1 of the HHRAP recommends using a value of 0.5 centimeters per second (cm/sec)
(0.005 m/sec) to model the gas phase dry deposition for organic contaminants, chlorine gas, and
hydrochloric acid (HCl). In addition, the HHRAP recommends a value of 2.9 cm/sec (0.029
m/sec) for modeling gas phase dry deposition for mercury. The value used by ATK, 0.03 m/sec,
agrees with value recommended for divalent mercury in the HHRAP but as indicated in the
Hybrid Air Modeling Report, represents a "conservative deposition velocity" for organic
constituents. The discussion in this paragraph should be expanded to provide additional
justification for use ofthe proposed value. For example, the discussion ofgas phase dry
deposition velocity contained in the Hybrid Air Modeling Protocol should be added to Section
10.2. Please revise Section 10.2 to provide additional justification for using 0.03 m/sec to model
gas phase dry deposition for all gaseous phase constituents emitted from OB and OD operations.
Please ensure the revised discussion notes this approach was proposed in the March 2013 Hybrid
Air Modeling Protocol and discussed with the Division.
22. Section 10.3, One-Hour ADF for Concentrationo Page 30: Section 8.1 indicates that
AERMOD was used to model one-hour impacts from treatment by OB and OD. However, the
Draft Hybrid Air Modeling Report does not include figures illustrating the modeled ADFs.
These figures typically present the modeled results as contour lines overlaid on a topographical
map or site map of the modeling domain. Please revise the Draft Hybrid Air Modeling Report to
include plots of the ADFs predicted by AERMAP for the worst-case bum event for OB and OD
at both bum grounds. Please include plots for annual particle dry deposition, and air
concentrations for both one-hour and annual results. If other plots that don't represent the worst-
case bum events are requested by a stakeholder, the Division will request that they are provided
by ATK.
23. Section 11.0, Conclusion, Page 32: Please clariff the statement'1o ensure the AERMOD
results represent a significant refinement, the air quality modeling results consider that the OB
and OD events occur for only one hour per day and must meet the following criteria:" What is
meant by a"significant refinemenf in the context of burning ground restrictions?
24. Attachment 4, Modeling Inputs/Outputs: The text files contained in folder Hourly Emission
Rate Files furnish four parameter values to AERMOD for each hour of meteorological data
processed during a model run. However, neither Attachment 4 nor the text of the Hybrid Air
Modeling Report identifies the four parameter values listed in these files. Please revise the
Hybrid Air Modeling Report to identifu the four parameten contained in these hourly emission
rate files.