Mundell & Associates, Inc.

Consulting Professionals for the Earth and the Environment

  • Careers
  • Contact
  • Español
call us at (317) 630-9060
110 S. Downey Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46219 | Fax: (317) 630-9065
  •  
  • Company
    • About Us
    • Our Staff
    • Mission and Vision
    • Social Mission
    • Hablamos Español
    • Careers
    • Contact
  • Services
  • Industry Solutions
  • Portfolio
  • News
Discuss your projectall news
You are here: Home / Portfolio / PCB Evaluation and 40 CFR 761.61 Self-directed Cleanup

PCB Evaluation and 40 CFR 761.61 Self-directed Cleanup

portfolio typeCase Historiespdf iconDownload this as PDFPosted on May 28, 2014

PCB Litigation Site

Challenge

Mundell was contracted by a client to evaluate polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination identified in the subsurface at a client-owned property (Site) in Kokomo, Indiana. The Site is separated from the historic Continental Steel Superfund facility by Wildcat Creek. It is adjacent to a property currently owned by an excavation contractor, where PCB levels had been identified in the subsurface at similar and higher levels. Additionally, the Site was historically owned by the adjacent property owner. Mundell was tasked with determining whether impacts observed on site were likely associated with client actions, or may have been caused by another entity, such as the adjacent property owner.

Action

Mundell researched parcel ownership information, and evaluated aerial photos to piece together a better understanding of the development of the client site. Mundell also evaluated historic flood levels along the adjacent creek to determine if flooding associated with Continental Steel site contamination on the north side of the creek could have caused the PCB contamination observed at the Site.

Results

The results of the investigation indicate that the PCB contamination is generally consistent with locations of waste debris fill material, which is more prevalent across the adjacent property. Based on parcel ownership, aerial photo evidence, and evaluation of other possible contaminant emplacement mechanisms, Mundell determined that there was no other viable explanation to account for the presence of the contamination other than historic burial activities associated with the adjacent property owner prior to the sale of the property to the Mundell client.

While the findings were being considered in ongoing legal proceedings, Mundell was required by the state regulatory agency to nonetheless develop a cleanup plan. The relevant regulations are associated with federally managed self-implementing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) cleanups, per 40 CFR 761.61.

As outlined in 40 CFR 761.61(a), a property can be classified as either a high or low occupancy area. Under each of these occupancy classifications, different cleanup levels are required, depending on the level of engineering controls that will exist:

  • (high occupancy, with no other controls: PCB cleanup goal <= 1 ppm)
  • (high occupancy, with cap: PCB cleanup goal >1 and <= 10 ppm)
  • (low occupancy, with no other controls: PCB cleanup goal
  • (low occupancy, with fence, signage: PCB cleanup goal <25 ppm and <= 50 ppm)
  • (low occupancy, with cap: PCB cleanup goal >25 ppm and <= 100 ppm)

Mundell worked with United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) personnel to develop a work plan that was reviewed and subsequently approved. To guarantee the most potential resale value for the client property, the work plan developed by Mundell would plan to achieve the most conservative cleanup goals (<=1 ppm with no institutional controls required); features that could otherwise restrict the usage of the property for current or future owners. After completion of remedial activities, an Implementation Report will be submitted to the U.S. EPA.

more information Learn about our related services (Litigation Support) and industry solutions (Insurance and Law)

Similar Portfolio Items

  • Expert Witness Testimony, Petroleum Storage Facility Litigation
  • Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbon Distribution – Superfund Site
  • Modeling Provides Confidence In Risk Assessment

Discuss your projectall news

Portfolio

Case Histories (130)
Presentations (155)
Publications (60)
all news View full portfolio

Latest News

  • John Mundell reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis and his concern for our common home May 27, 2025
  • Progress and Challenges for the Future of Indiana Water Resources January 28, 2025
  • Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Mundell! December 23, 2024

Join our mailing list

News

John Mundell reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis and his concern for our common home

May 27, 2025in Community Involvement

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Mundell!

December 23, 2024in Company News

Using IndianaMap and web-based GIS to protect drinking water

December 3, 2024in Company News

Emissions Reporting and Air Dispersion Modeling Allows Tracking of Indy’s Air Pollutants

July 30, 2024in Science and Environment

Our Affiliations

- Midwestern States Environmental Consultants Association
- Environmental & Engineering Geophysical Society
- Professional Geologists of Indiana, Inc.
- National Groundwater Association
- American Societies of Chemical / Civil Engineers
- Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists
- Indiana Association for Environmental Professionals
- Geological Society of America
- Indiana Geographic Information Council
- Economy of Communion

.....and more more affiliations

Be Inspired

  • Monday, June 16, 2025
    National Pollinator Week

    Polinator Partnership website

Download calendarGet full calendar ICAL· Google Calendar

Reduce Erosion and Preserve Topsoil

Land degradation has increased around the world as our human activities pollute or degrade the quality of soil, affecting not only food production but the overall ecosystems. What can we do locally to preserve our soil?

  • Rotate the crops you grow in your garden.
  • Use local mulch, especially in bare stops to help plants ground and prevent water runoff.
  • Plant large plants such as trees and hedges to reduce wind speed.
  • Minimize soil compaction by create permanent walkways and encouraging people to stay on them.
.....see all tips more tips

Copyright © 2025 · Mundell & Associates, Inc. · 110 S. Downey Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219 · (317) 630-9060 · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · Sitemap