The Biscayne Aquifer is the sole source of drinking water for three million residents of southeast Florida. Three Biscayne Aquifer hazardous waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List were addressed as one management unit for the remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS): (1) Varsol Spill Site (Miami International Airport), (2) Miami Drum Site, and (3) Northwest 58th Street Landfill. The Varsol Spill Site is located in the northeast section of Miami International Airport (MIA). Industrial operations associated with a typical commercial airport have resulted in hydrocarbon contamination of surface and ground waters in the vicinity of MIA. Since 1966 there have been approximately 15 hydrocarbon spills and leaks totalling approximately 2 million gallons, including the loss of an estimated 1.5 million gallons of varsol. In 1970, an unknown amount of jet fuel was spilled into a drainage canal on-site. In April of 1981, construction activities revealed a thick hydrocarbon layer floating on the water table in an excavated trench. One responsible party installed 54 shallow observation wells. Sampling results showed that the hydrocarbon layer diminished with time. In another area, Dade County installed 43 monitoring wells to determine the extent and magnitude of jet fuel spilled. Recovery operations for this jet fuel are currently underway.

March, 1985. "PB85-232122." "Office of Emergency and Remedial Response."