The Environmental Research Division of Argonne National Laboratory has performed a targeted investigation at Murdock, Nebraska, on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (CCC/USDA). The investigation was initiated to address concerns of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about (1) a potential threat to water resources northwest of Murdock, beyond the area of observed contaminant discharge to the unnamed tributary to Pawnee Creek; and (2) the potential effect on groundwater of a continuing, uncharacterized contaminant source in the vadose zone soils beneath the former CCC/USDA grain storage facility at Murdock. The technical objectives of the targeted investigation were to accomplish the following: 1. Determine the continuity, thickness, and hydrogeologic characteristics of the aquifer in the vicinity of the Pawnee Creek tributary. 2. Characterize the present distribution of carbon tetrachloride contamination in groundwater and surface water in the area north of Waverly Road. 3. Determine the patterns of groundwater flow in the vicinity of the Pawnee Creek tributary and their relationship to the expected migration of the identified carbon tetrachloride plume. 4. Identify and delineate the presence of carbon tetrachloride in vadose zone soils in the northern portion of the former CCC/USDA facility that might pose a continuing source of contamination to the aquifer, and determine soil properties affecting vertical contaminant migration. 5. Evaluate contaminant migration from soil to groundwater, and analyze indoor air potentially affected by vapor intrusion at residences built on the former CCC/USDA facility. 6. Evaluate the potential suitability of phytoremediation for this site.
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