Fla. Admin. Code R. 62-780.600
(3) The objectives of the site assessment shall be the following, as applicable:
(a) To evaluate the current exposure and potential risk of exposure to humans and the environment, including multiple pathways of exposure. The physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of each contaminant and the individual site characteristics shall be considered. The individual site characteristics include:
1. The current and projected use of the affected groundwater and surface water in the vicinity of the site,
2. The current and projected land use of the area affected by the contamination,
3. The exposed human population and ecological receptors including the presence of threatened or endangered species (flora and fauna). A general literature review and analysis based on site-specific conditions may be sufficient,
4. The location of the plume,
5. The degree and extent of contamination,
6. The rate and direction of migration of the plume,
7. The apparent or potential rate of degradation of contaminants through natural attenuation; and,
8. The potential for further migration in relation to the source property boundary.
(g) To describe relevant geologic and hydrogeologic characteristics that influence migration and transport of contaminants at the site, unless the site meets the No Further Action criteria of subsection 62-780.680(1), F.A.C.:
1. To describe the lithology and horizontal and vertical continuity of units, such as the presence of karst features, bedrock, native soil, and fill material, in the areas affected and expected to be affected by the discharge(s),
2. To identify the aquifer or aquifers and confining units affected and expected to be affected by the discharge(s) and to determine the groundwater classification, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and storativity of the aquifer or aquifers,
3. To identify and characterize any perched zone, if present,
4. To determine the horizontal and vertical rate and direction of groundwater flow (at all affected depths, as appropriate), to determine the extent of water table fluctuation, to evaluate the potential effect of seasonal variations and vertical groundwater flow components on the rate and direction of groundwater flow, to determine the hydraulic interaction between groundwater and any surface water within the vicinity of the site, and to determine whether there are any tidal effects for sites located near marine surface water; and,
5. To determine other mechanisms of transport of contaminants in the immediate vicinity of the site, including rate and direction of movement of contaminants in sewer lines, subsurface utility conduits or vaults, soil, sediments, and surface water, as applicable.
(4) The analyses for contaminants in surface water, groundwater, soil, and sediment samples, as applicable, shall be performed using the appropriate analytical procedures referenced or listed in chapter 62-160, F.A.C. The initial analyses of contaminants, including their reaction and degradation products, shall be based on the site history.
(b) For discharges of petroleum or petroleum products, analyses shall be performed for the applicable contaminants of concern listed in Table B of this chapter, as follows:
1. If petroleum product discharges are from the Gasoline or Kerosene Analytical Groups, analyses shall be performed as described in Table C, located at the end of rule 62-780.900, F.A.C., except that:
a. If the site is anticipated to meet the No Further Action criteria of rule 62-780.680, F.A.C., and the site is contaminated by products solely from the Gasoline Analytical Group, analytical screening of the monitoring wells for Benzene, Ethylbenzene, Toluene, total Xylenes, MTBE, and PAHs (using applicable methods in Table C) may be performed, or
b. If the site is anticipated to meet the No Further Action criteria of rule 62-780.680, F.A.C., and the site is contaminated by products from the Kerosene Analytical Group, analytical screening of the monitoring wells for Benzene, Ethylbenzene, Toluene, total Xylenes, MTBE, PAHs, and TRPHs (using applicable methods in Table C) may be performed.
2. If petroleum product discharges are from used oil, from an identified product not listed in the Gasoline or Kerosene Analytical Groups, or from a product for which the specific identity is unknown, analyses shall be performed as described in Table D, located at the end of rule 62-780.900, F.A.C.
3. If the contamination is derived from petroleum, analyses shall be performed as described in Table E, located at the end of rule 62-780.900, F.A.C.
(5) The site assessment shall include tasks that are necessary to achieve objectives described in subsection 62-780.600(3), F.A.C., and include the following, as applicable based on site-specific circumstances:
(c) Sampling of soil from the unsaturated zone for the following criteria, as applicable:
1. Appropriate laboratory analyses to determine the degree and extent of soil contamination and, as applicable, the background concentrations. A sufficient number of soil samples to define the horizontal and vertical extent of contamination shall be collected in the unsaturated zone. Samples shall be collected at two-foot vertical intervals unless the sampling intervals are adjusted, as necessary, to account for factors such as discrete variations in the lithology, depth to the water table, the point of discharge, and the chemical and physical properties of the contaminants. If a surficial discharge of metals or semi-volatile organic compounds is known or suspected, the vertical sampling intervals shall be as follows: land surface to six inches, six inches to two feet, and two-foot intervals thereafter to the extent necessary to define the soil contamination. If the 95% Upper Confidence Limit (UCL) approach pursuant to subparagraphs 62-780.680(1)(b)1., 62-780.680(2)(b)1., and 62-780.680(3)(b)1., F.A.C., is used, the soil sampling shall be sufficient to identify the area(s) of highest contaminant concentrations and to allow the calculation of an exposure unit average concentration. [Refer to the technical report referenced in subsection 62-780.100(2), F.A.C., for guidance.],
2. Measurement of appropriate soil properties such as texture, pH, moisture content, dry bulk density, organic carbon content, and infiltration rate using the test methods specified in chapter 62-777, F.A.C., Table III, if such properties are chosen for the development of alternative soil CTLs in accordance with the technical report referenced in subsection 62-780.100(2), F.A.C. If soil properties are chosen to be used, measurements shall be made on soil from within the contaminated area when feasible. If measurement from within the contaminated area is not feasible, measurements may be made on soil from an alternative location that has the same soil type using the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service soil survey maps or the Unified Soil Classification System, or the PRSR may propose the use of other data on soil properties,
3. Fractionation laboratory analyses of TRPHs to determine if the site-specific concentrations of the TRPH fractions exceed the soil CTLs of the TRPH fractions developed using one of the sub-classification methodologies described in Appendix C of the technical report referenced in subsection 62-780.100(2), F.A.C. Fractionation and FL-PRO analyses of TRPHs shall be performed on sub-samples from at least one soil sample collected from each source area that exceeds the applicable default soil CTLs for TRPHs specified in chapter 62-777, F.A.C., Table II, or alternative soil CTLs for TRPHs established pursuant to rule 62-780.680, F.A.C., with the actual number of samples based on the horizontal and vertical extent of contamination and the site-specific stratigraphy,
4. Direct leachability testing by USEPA Test Method 1312, Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP) extraction, or USEPA Test Method 1311, Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) extraction if the contamination is derived from used oil or similar petroleum products, followed by the appropriate analyses of the leachate. Leachability and total soil concentration analysis for the appropriate laboratory analyses shall be performed on sub-samples from at least one soil sample collected from each source area that exceeds the applicable leachability-based soil CTLs specified in subparagraph 62-780.680(1)(b)2., F.A.C., or established pursuant to subparagraph 62-780.680(2)(b)2. or (3)(b)2., F.A.C., with the actual number of samples based on the horizontal and vertical extent of contamination and the site-specific stratigraphy, or
5. Hazardous waste characterization by USEPA Test Method 1311 TCLP extraction followed by the appropriate analysis of the leachate, if the information indicates that the soil has the potential to be a hazardous waste (and the contamination does not result solely from manufactured gas plant waste).
(m) Sampling of monitoring wells for the appropriate laboratory analyses, with the most recent sampling of representative monitoring wells having occurred no more than 270 days prior to Site Assessment Report submittal, to determine the degree and extent of groundwater contamination and the background concentrations, if applicable, such that:
1. Drill cuttings and drilling mud generated during monitoring well installation shall be handled and disposed of in such a manner that contamination is not spread into previously uncontaminated or less contaminated media. Authorization pursuant to this rule does not relieve the PRSR from the obligation to comply with other Department rules (for example, chapters 62-701 and 62-730, F.A.C.) for handling and disposal of contaminated media. The PRSR is advised that other federal or local laws and regulations may apply; and,
2. Development water and purge water shall be handled and disposed of in such a manner that contamination is not spread into previously uncontaminated or less contaminated media. Authorization pursuant to this rule does not relieve the PRSR from the obligation to comply with other Department rules (for example, chapters 62-701 and 62-730, F.A.C.) for handling and disposal of contaminated media. The PRSR is advised that other federal or local laws and regulations may apply; and,
3. If an interim source removal was performed and No Further Action pursuant to subsection 62-780.680(1), F.A.C., will be recommended, one of the following criteria shall be met pursuant to rule 62-780.690, F.A.C.:
a. If groundwater contamination was present prior to the interim source removal, groundwater concentrations shall meet the No Further Action criteria of subsection 62-780.680(1), F.A.C., for at least two consecutive sampling events of representative monitoring wells, performed a minimum of three months apart, or
b. If soil contamination was only present in the unsaturated zone prior to the interim source removal, groundwater concentrations shall meet the No Further Action criteria of subsection 62-780.680(1), F.A.C., during only one sampling event of representative monitoring wells.
(8) The Site Assessment Report shall:
(a) Summarize all tasks that were completed pursuant to subsections 62-780.600(3), (4), and (5), F.A.C., and summarize the results obtained. All maps shall indicate the North direction, be drawn to scale, and include a graphical representation of the scale used. The following shall be included, when applicable, to the discharge(s) being assessed:
1. A detailed summary of site history and operations, including:
a. An identification of present real property and facility owners,
b. A description of past and present operations, including those that involve the storage, treatment, use, disposal, processing, or manufacture of materials that may be potential contaminant sources,
c. A description of all known products used or manufactured and of all known by-products and wastes (including waste constituents) generated during the life of the facility,
d. A summary of current and past environmental permits and enforcement actions; and,
e. A summary of known spills or releases of materials, including permitted releases, that may be potential contaminant sources.
2. A copy of the portion of the most recent USGS topographic map(s), including quadrangle name and scale with contour interval(s) labeled, that clearly identifies the site in relation to the surrounding area,
3. A vicinity map that shows pertinent features, such as local drainage features, land cover, property boundaries, supply wells and, particularly, any potential off-property sources of contamination identified during the assessment (if applicable and available, FDEP identification numbers shall be provided). If the PRSR prefers, aerial photographs may be submitted to complement the vicinity map. If the subject site meets the No Further Action criteria of subsection 62-780.680(1), F.A.C., a vicinity map is not required,
4. One or more scaled site maps that show pertinent surface and subsurface features such as buildings, former and current tank farms, integral piping, dispensers, utilities, sewers, floor drains, drain lines, above and underground structures, storage areas, monitoring wells, land cover, streets, rights-of-way, locations and elevations (if significantly different) of property boundaries and surrounding properties, present in the immediate vicinity of the contamination,
5. A map of individual contaminant discharge locations, including the latitude and longitude coordinates of the known discharge locations,
6. Details of any preliminary assessment or interim source removal activities performed at the site, such as free product recovery, groundwater recovery, contaminated soil removal, and contaminated sediment removal (summarized in graphical and tabular form),
7. Data and calculations used to determine the top-of-casing elevations and the accuracy of the survey performed pursuant to paragraph 62-780.600(5)(k), F.A.C.,
8. Tables that list the top-of-casing elevations, screened intervals, depths to groundwater, water-level elevations obtained at least twice, at least one month apart, and the dates the data were obtained,
9. Scaled site maps that illustrate the water-level elevations calculated at each monitoring well, piezometer, and staff gauge where surface water is a concern, and depicting the estimated elevation contours and an interpretation of groundwater flow direction. If different strata of the same aquifer, or if different aquifers, are affected, separate figures shall be submitted for each date on which measurements were recorded, depicting flow in each stratum or aquifer. If the site’s groundwater is tidally-influenced, separate figures shall be submitted depicting flow at high and low tide. If the site is affected by seasonal groundwater variations, separate figures shall be submitted depicting the seasonal changes in the groundwater flow direction,
10. A table that summarizes the use and well construction details, if available, and locational information (i.e., the nearest street address, if available, or latitude and longitude coordinates, if the street address is not available), of all the water supply wells identified during the well survey performed pursuant to paragraph 62-780.600(3)(h), F.A.C.,
11. A map that shows the approximate location(s) of the water supply well(s) identified during the well survey performed pursuant to paragraph 62-780.600(3)(h), F.A.C., in relation to the subject site,
12. The results from slug tests on a minimum of three monitoring wells or from a pumping test, performed in each affected aquifer zone monitored to determine aquifer properties, and including a description of methods used, assumptions made, field data, and calculations, unless the site meets the No Further Action criteria of subsection 62-780.680(1), F.A.C.,
13. The result of a calculation of horizontal groundwater flow velocity (v) for the site, using the formula v=KI/n, where K is the average horizontal hydraulic conductivity, I is the average horizontal hydraulic gradient, and n is the estimated effective soil porosity, unless the site meets the No Further Action criteria of subsection 62-780.680(1), F.A.C.,
14. The result of a calculation of vertical groundwater flow velocity (v) for the site, using the formula v=KI/n, where K is the average vertical hydraulic conductivity of a confining or semi-confining zone, I is the average vertical hydraulic gradient, and n is the estimated effective soil porosity, unless the site meets the No Further Action criteria of subsection 62-780.680(1), F.A.C.,
15. A description of any geophysical methods used for the project,
16. A description of the site-specific stratigraphy, based on the lithologic logs prepared during soil assessment and monitoring well installation and on standard penetration test borings (including composition, thickness, and continuity of various lithologic units),
17. At least two cross-sections relative to NGVD of 1929 or NAVD of 1988 or, for petroleum or petroleum product discharges, to a single benchmark of an arbitrary elevation, that illustrate the site-specific stratigraphy and approximate concentrations of applicable contaminants,
18. Details of any other assessment methodology used at the site, including any field screening techniques and measures of biological activity (for example, dissolved oxygen or nutrient levels),
19. A table that summarizes the field soil screening results obtained at each sampling location and depth, and a listing of the date(s) the work was performed,
20. One or more scaled site maps that show all soil sampling locations for field screening or laboratory analyses, in relation to the former and current sources of contamination and any excavated areas, and that illustrate the horizontal and vertical extent of unsaturated zone soil contamination when soil contamination is detected,
21. Piezometer, monitoring well, and recovery well construction details and construction diagrams, including methods and materials, field sampling data sheets, lithologic logs, and methods and volumes of groundwater removed during well development,
22. A description of the treatment or disposal methods of any investigation-derived waste generated during the assessment phase and any documentation that confirms the proper treatment or proper disposal of the waste, as applicable,
23. A table that is updated any time additional piezometers, monitoring wells, or recovery wells are installed and that summarizes the well construction details (including the top-of-casing elevation referenced to NGVD of 1929 or NAVD of 1988 or, for petroleum or petroleum product discharges, to a single benchmark of an arbitrary elevation, depth of the top of the screen below land surface, total depth and screen length, and ground surface elevation referenced to NGVD of 1929 or NAVD of 1988 or, for petroleum or petroleum product discharges, to a single benchmark of an arbitrary elevation) of all monitoring wells (including storage tank compliance wells or other compliance wells required by permit), piezometers, and recovery wells,
24. A current table that summarizes free product thickness measured, volumes recovered, and date(s) measurements were recorded, if applicable,
25. A scaled site map that shows the estimated horizontal extent of free product,
26. All applicable information required by subsection 62-780.300(2), F.A.C.,
27. Separate tables by medium (soil, sediment, groundwater, and surface water) that list all contaminants detected, their corresponding CTLs and the basis or reason for any alternative CTLs, detection limits achieved for non-detected analytes, and analyses performed, and that summarize all available analytical results; and,
28. One or more scaled site maps that show any areas excavated and all groundwater and surface water sampling locations, and that illustrate the degree and extent of groundwater and surface water contamination using sufficient isoconcentration lines to help identify source area(s) as well as the extent of the plume(s).
(b) Summarize conclusions regarding site assessment objectives outlined in subsection 62-780.600(3), F.A.C., and include one of the following:
1. A No Further Action Proposal without institutional controls or without institutional and engineering controls shall be included if the site meets the applicable No Further Action criteria of subsection 62-780.680(1), F.A.C., or a No Further Action Proposal with institutional controls or both institutional and engineering controls may be included if the site meets the applicable No Further Action criteria of subsection 62-780.680(2) or (3), F.A.C.,
2. A Natural Attenuation Monitoring Plan may be included if the site meets the Natural Attenuation Monitoring criteria of rule 62-780.690, F.A.C.,
3. A recommendation to prepare a Risk Assessment or a Risk Assessment Work Plan shall be included if the PRSR chooses to justify alternative CTLs using risk assessment studies demonstrating that human health, public safety, and the environment are protected to at least the degree provided by sections 376.30701, 376.3071, 376.3078, or 376.81, F.S., as applicable. The work plan shall include a schedule for completion of a Risk Assessment and documentation adequate to support the request to do one or more of the task elements of subsection 62-780.650(1), F.A.C., and shall specify the parameters or exposure assumptions that will be used to develop the alternative CTLs pursuant to rule 62-780.650, F.A.C., or
4. A recommendation to prepare a Remedial Action Plan pursuant to rule 62-780.700, F.A.C., shall be included, unless a recommendation pursuant to subparagraph 62-780.600(8)(b)1., 2., or 3., F.A.C., is included.
(9) The Department shall:
(a) Provide the PRSR with written approval of the Site Assessment Report and:
1. If the No Further Action Proposal is approved, with a Site Rehabilitation Completion Order as referenced in subsection 62-780.680(7), F.A.C.,
2. If the Natural Attenuation Monitoring Plan is approved, with a Natural Attenuation Monitoring Plan Approval as referenced in paragraph 62-780.690(5)(a), F.A.C.,
3. If the Risk Assessment Work Plan or the recommendation to prepare a Risk Assessment is approved, with a written notification that the Risk Assessment shall be prepared pursuant to rule 62-780.650, F.A.C., or
4. If the recommendation to prepare a Remedial Action Plan is approved, with a written notification that the Remedial Action Plan shall be prepared pursuant to rule 62-780.700, F.A.C., or
(b) Notify the PRSR in writing, stating:
1. The reason(s) why the Site Assessment Report does not contain information adequate to support the conclusions regarding the applicable site assessment objectives outlined in subsection 62-780.600(3), F.A.C., or
2. The reason(s) why the proposal, plan, or recommendation submitted pursuant to paragraph 62-780.600(8)(b), F.A.C., is not supported by the applicable criteria.
Rulemaking Authority 376.303, 376.3071, 376.30701, 376.3078(4), 376.81, 403.0877 FS. Law Implemented 376.3071, 376.30701, 376.3078(4), 376.81, 403.0877 FS. History–New 4-17-05, Amended 6-12-13, 2-4-14, 2-2-17. Editorial Note: Portions of this rule were copied from rule 62-770.600, Formerly 17-70.008 and Formerly 17-770.600; 62-782.600; and 62-785.600, F.A.C.