Assessment of Basalt Waste Isolation Project's borehole mud pits soils and sediments for chemical constituents: Summary report

As part of an effort to characterize the geologic formations underlying the Hanford Site, 98 boreholes were drilled in support of the Basalt Waste Isolation Project. Review of drillings records indicated that certain drilling operations between 1973 and 1983 may have introduced hazardous substances into the environment. The suspected substances are constituents of drilling fluids that were channelled into pits adjacent to the drill sites. This report details operations at the seven boreholes determined to have the greatest potential for contamination. It also describes the study conducted to determine if hazardous chemicals are present, and if so identifies their concentrations and spatial distribution. The study was intended to provide input for decisions regarding remedial action. The data presorted herein were reviewed to the regulations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. The findings are listed. The mudpits are not considered dangerous according to the guidelines set by the Washington Department of Ecology. The pits do not require action under the provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. The original borehole reclamation project will proceed as planned. 9 refs., 7 figs., 11 tabs.