Abstract |
The Highlands Acid Pit site is located 16 miles east of Houston on a 6-acre peninsula in Harris County, Texas. The site is bordered on the west and south by the San Jacinto River, on the north by a wooded area, and on the east by a sand pit. The site lies within the 10-year flood plain and has subsided 2.4 feet since 1964. An unknown quantity of industrial waste sludge was disposed of at the site in the 1950s. The sludge is believed to be spent sulfuric wastes from a refinery process. The June 1984 Record of Decision, addressing the source of contamination, was inadequate to evaluate the full extent of ground water contamination. The primary contaminants of concern addressing ground water include VOCs and heavy metals. The recommended remedial action includes a no action remedy with long-term ground water and surface water monitoring since the contaminants of concern were not detected above criteria levels. The capital cost for the monitoring program is $4,700 with annual O&M of $6,980. |