KDHE, USDA Reach Settlement to Treat Groundwater North of Frankfort

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has reached a final settlement with the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to treat contaminated groundwater north of Frankfort. The final settlement agreement finances the project for an estimated 30 years of operation. The KDHE would be responsible for the design and construction phase of the project. At the end of the design and construction phase, KDHE would forward all remaining funding to the City for operation and maintenance of the system. The settlement stipulates that KDHE/BER will not require any further action from CCC/USDA at the Frankfort site.

Public Water Supply (PWS) well #4 was once Frankfort's most productive public water supply well. Carbon tetrachloride contamination was first detected in PWS Well #4 during routine sampling in 1986. Carbon tetrachloride is a grain fumigant that was banned from use in the 1980's. PWS Well #4 was removed from service in 1988 when carbon tetrachloride was detected at concentrations exceeding safe drinking water standards. An investigation by KDHE in 1996 indicated the carbon tetrachloride originated from a former CCC/USDA grain bin facility. KDHE contacted CCC/USDA to investigate groundwater contamination and evaluate possible cleanup options. Numerous soil and ground water samples have been collected to better understand the source and extent of this contamination.

Based on the collected information and comments solicited during a 30-day public comment period, KDHE issued a Declaration of Corrective Action describing remediation plans in January 2004. The selected remedial plan consists of a granular activated carbon filtration system installed on PWS Well #4. This system will remove carbon tetrachloride from the water as it is pumped from the well, meaning PWS well #4 can be put back into service. A second extraction and treatment system is planned to treat contaminated groundwater near the contaminant source area and prevent future movement of carbon tetrachloride contamination.

Following a June 12, 2006 meeting with the mayor and Frankfort City Council, KDHE contracted Geotechnical Services, Inc., of Wichita, Kansas, to collect groundwater samples from existing monitoring wells in Frankfort to determine current groundwater conditions. A meeting with environmental contractors to discuss cost estimates to design and construct the filtration system was held on August 15, 2006.

For additional information regarding the site or proposed remedy please contact Rick Bean, Chief, Remedial Section, KDHE/BER at 785-296-1675 or rbean@kdheks.gov or Mayor Sharon Owen at 785-292-4240.

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