This section presents detailed information on the AOCs managed under the IRP at NAWS China Lake
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AOC 1 – Aeroheat Canyon Trench/Dump
AOC 1 is a dump site located in the Salt Wells Valley near the Skytop complex in a canyon wash south of the T-range facility. There is no historical information regarding the source or date of the waste material. Potential wastes include solvents, construction debris, metals, and wood scrap.
The 2006 preliminary assessment report considered AOC 1 a low priority for future investigation. The Navy is investigating AOC 1 as part of a site inspection at IRP Site 80. Sampling at AOC 1 for the investigation will be conducted to evaluate surface soils, characterize additional AOC surface debris areas features, evaluate potential soil impacts at the intermittent wash area, and further characterize the extent of metals above soil screening levels in the northern portion of the site.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 3 – Aircraft Burial Area
AOC 3 is located near Armitage Field and was thought to be an aircraft burial area used to discard and burn aircraft that were in operation in the mid-1940s. Aerial photographs from 1945 and 1952 show heavy staining of the dirt around the runways and close to the burn site. Scattered aircraft debris, metal, wood scrap, electronic parts, 55-gallon drums, and refuse were observed during a site reconnaissance conducted in April 2004. Former aircraft landing pads, transformer pad, and minor areas of stained soil were also observed at the site. However, no large disposal areas, heavy staining, or burn areas were observed. Potential wastes at the site include solvents, construction debris, metals, and wood scrap.
The 2006 preliminary assessment report considered AOC 3 a low priority for future investigation. The Navy is investigating AOC 3 as part of a site inspection at IRP Site 80. Sampling at AOC 3 will be conducted to evaluate surface soils for risk assessment, characterize the former transformer pad area for polychlorinated biphenyls, and collect background data for metals in soil outside the AOC boundary to assess whether detected metals within the AOC are within background ranges.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 7 – Aircraft Surveillance Old Composite Burn Tunnel
AOC 7 is located near the Aircraft Survivability area of the main base and includes an enclosed 10-foot-diameter metal tunnel used for burning carbon composites. The structure is above ground and was operated from 1978 to 1979 and from 1982 to 1983. Wastes reportedly included carbon composites, paints, and paint thinners. Three 3-inch-wide expansion cracks were observed along the tunnel, and an abandoned paint locker was also noted during a site reconnaissance conducted in December 2000. A drum storage area is located at the southern end of the AOC boundary. There is a pond in the area, but it is reportedly not associated with the AOC.
A screening-level risk assessment was recommended with the data collected thus far to evaluate whether detected compounds of arsenic pose a risk to human health or the environment. The Navy is investigating AOC 7 as part of a site inspection at IRP Site 80. Sampling at AOC 7 will be conducted to evaluate surface soils to characterize the drum storage area and areas near the cracks along the tunnel and to analyze for constituents that have not been assessed. Based on historical composite burning operations, samples will be analyzed for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and dioxins and furans. In addition, a surface water sample may be collected for analysis from the pond.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 19 – Area R B-29 Parking Area
AOC 19 is within the boundaries of the Area R OU. AOC 19 was a staging area for aircraft before they were disassembled and used in tests at NAWS China Lake. Potential wastes include avgas, motor oil, hydraulic fluid, and organic lead deposited from the early 1950s through the 1970s. In 2003, scattered aircraft parts and debris and old oil stains on soil were observed at the site during a site reconnaissance. Based on visual observations, the oil did not appear to penetrate the soil more than 2 inches beneath the surface. There was evidence of subsequent grading across the site.
A 2012 supplemental site inspection recommended additional surface soil sampling to evaluate the extent of organic lead and polychlorinated biphenyls. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 19 under IRP Site 80. Sampling will be conducted to evaluate surface soils in areas of staining, to collect discrete subsurface soil samples where prior composite samples were collected, to characterize the metal debris pit areas, and to evaluate potential soil impacts at the wash.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 21 – Area R Drum Storage
AOC 21 is a fenced storage compound within IRP Site 15 that contained empty 55-gallon drums and exhibited areas of stained soil. Initial reports stated that one drum was stainless steel and possibly was used for storing hydrazine. The area also contained old rockets, cluster bombs, and other potential unexploded ordnance. The drums and potential unexploded ordnance were removed after the initial site visit and before the 2006 preliminary assessment sampling. Potential wastes include metals, metal filings or powder, live and inert ordnance, and wood scrap deposited in the 1950s. AOC 21 is an active area, with operations including maintenance and storage.
The 2012 supplemental site inspection report stated that no evidence was found suggesting that soil or groundwater poses a threat to human or ecological receptors and that no further action is warranted at AOC 21. To support this recommendation, the Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 21 under IRP Site 80. Soil and soil gas samples will be collected to evaluate potential sources of volatile organic compounds within the AOC boundary, and soil and soil gas samples from areas of potential volatile organic compound sources will also be analyzed. Additionally, soil samples will be collected for arsenic analysis outside of the AOC boundary to assess whether detected arsenic concentrations are within background ranges.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 22 – Area R Dry Well
AOC 22 is a dry well within the Area R complex that consists of an 8-inch-diameter steel well casing that protrudes 0.6 foot above ground surface. Wastes that may have been disposed of in this well include fuels and solvents. Dates of disposal are unknown.
No evidence was found during the 2012 supplemental site inspection to suggest soil or groundwater poses a threat to human or ecological receptors. Only trace amounts of total petroleum hydrocarbon compounds and volatile organic compounds were detected in groundwater from the existing well at AOC 22. Based on these detections, a temporary well was installed to collect an additional sample for analysis of volatile organic compounds. The sample showed no detections of these compounds. The 2012 supplemental site inspection report concluded that conditions and analytical data indicate that no further action is warranted at AOC 22. The report also recommended that the dry well be decommissioned to prevent any future disposal. However, the Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 22 under IRP Site 80 because this report has not been finalized.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 29 – Area R Rocket Burial Area
AOC 29 is a 5-acre disturbed site posted as an “explosive test area” located with the Area R complex near the intersection of Water Road and Pole Line Road. The area holds laboratory and industrial trash disposed of in the 1940s. Potential wastes include electronic equipment, metal scrap, wood scrap, industrial waste, and miscellaneous chemical compounds. Based on a site reconnaissance in December 2000, debris piles containing wire, wood, and rocket parts were observed at the northern portion of the site. An area of burned soil was observed at the central portion of the site, and drum storage racks were present at the southern portion of the site.
The 2012 supplemental site inspection report indicated that no further action is warranted at AOC 29 because no evidence was found during the site inspection that suggests soil or groundwater pose a threat to human or ecological receptors. The 2006 preliminary assessment recommended that a more comprehensive asbestos survey be conducted, and any exposed asbestos be removed. However, the Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 29 under IRP Site 80. Soil samples will be collected for asbestos analysis at the northern and southern portions of the site, and the burned soil area will be further evaluated.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 36 – Armitage Field Bomb Crater Dumps
AOC 36 was originally part of the Armitage Field OU but was reassigned from the IRP to the MRP. The site is now known as MRP Site 5.

AOC 45 – Armitage Field Napalm Dump
AOC 45 is a circular area about 75 feet in diameter that was used to dispose of and burn napalm in the 1960s. It is located immediately east of the airfield and, reportedly, the circular pit was routinely filled with napalm and set on fire. Potential wastes included components of napalm, fuels, solvents, metals, and wood scrap.
During the 2012 supplemental site inspection, none of the chemicals identified as chemicals of potential concern in soil and groundwater were recommended for further evaluation. However, the Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 29 under IRP Site 80. Soil and soil gas will be sampled under the site inspection for AOC 45 to characterize the extent of possible contaminants at the site.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities are planned to begin in 2020. Additional investigation will be completed in 2021 in accordance with the basewide per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances site inspection.

AOC 50 – Armitage Field Dumps
AOC 50 is located near administration buildings east of the airfield. AOC 50 reportedly received general refuse, aircraft debris, target debris, chemical compounds, wood scrap, and metal scrap from 1945 to the 1970s. Aerial photographs from 1973 show the dump to be approximately 5 acres, and a 1981 photograph revealed that the dump was covered. Based on a site reconnaissance in December 2000, scattered debris, waste piles, concrete pads, a burn area, aboveground storage tanks for water, and stained soils were observed at the site. The area is currently located near several office buildings that support airfield activities.
No evidence was found during the 2012 supplemental site inspection to suggest that soil poses a threat to human or ecological receptors. Groundwater in the area is being monitored as part of the Armitage Field OU. The 2012 supplemental site inspection report recommended no further action at AOC 50. However, the Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 50 under IRP Site 80. Soil will be sampled to evaluate dioxins and furans in soil at the burned soil area and at features that have not been previously assessed, the waste piles and concrete pads. Additional soil samples will be collected for analysis of metals outside of the AOC boundary to assess whether previously detected metals concentrations at the AOC are within the background range.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available. Additional investigation will be completed in 2021 in accordance with the basewide per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances site inspection.

AOC 70 – C5A Fire Fighting Training Pits
AOC 70 was a facility used for fire suppression tests located in a playa within the central portion of the main base. The dates of operation of the facility are unknown. It consists of a 200-foot by 250-foot gravel-lined pit and a steel structure made to hang thick metal sheets in the center of the pit. Open fires heated the large metal plates, changing the fire-fighting characteristics. It does not appear that an impermeable liner was installed below the gravel to prevent infiltration. Fuel staining and odors were observed within the pit during a site reconnaissance conducted in April 2004.
No significant contamination was observed based on the results of the initial 2006 preliminary assessment. However, more data were collected given the site history and shallow depth to groundwater. The additional data confirmed the lack of widespread contamination, especially with respect to the groundwater beneath the AOC. The 2010 technical memorandum noted that site activities and the corresponding chemical detections did not represent a significant release that requires further characterization, but also recommended that the data be evaluated with respect to potential human health and ecological risks, and a decision then be made about the need for soil removal or site closure. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 70 under IRP Site 80. Soil and groundwater samples will be collected for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance analysis within and downgradient from the former fire training pit. In addition, soil and groundwater samples will be collected to evaluate potential impacts from the shallow, bermed pit located southeast of the central training area.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available. Additional investigation will be completed in 2021 in accordance with the basewide per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances site inspection.

AOC 82 – Coso Peak Fuel Storage Tanks and Diesel Spill
AOC 82 is located in the northern portion of the main base. AOC 82 consisted of both aboveground and underground storage tanks used to store fuel for electrical generators. One 650-gallon UST and one 300-gallon UST were removed.
Soil samples collected as part of the 2006 preliminary assessment show contamination is limited to total petroleum hydrocarbon compounds and selected metals. As a result, a screening-level risk assessment was recommended to evaluate whether the contaminants of interest pose a potential risk to human health or the environment before any additional investigation is undertaken. Because of the remote location of AOC 82, the preliminary assessment recommended that the potential impacts to ecological receptors be emphasized, and that AOC 82 be considered a low priority site. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 82 under IRP Site 80, although no data gaps have been identified, and additional sampling at AOC 82 was not recommended.
Under the site inspection, AOC 82 will be recommended for no further action after the screening-level ecological and human health risk assessments have been completed using existing historical analytical data.

AOC 83 – CT-A Hazardous Substance Storage Area
AOC 83 is an inactive hazardous substance storage area in Salt Wells Valley. The operational dates of the storage area are unknown. Previously discovered surface debris and signs that are currently posted on the site indicate past storage of hazardous substances. An area of stained soil in the central portion of the site was reportedly excavated to a depth of 3 feet below ground surface. Three active electrical transformers are located just west of the AOC 83 boundary.
Based on the investigation results, the 2006 preliminary assessment recommended a screening-level risk assessment to evaluate whether the detected compounds pose a potential risk to human health or the environment before any additional steps are taken. It recommended that AOC 83 be considered a low priority for future work. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 83 under IRP Site 80. Surface and subsurface soil samples will be collected to assess the transformers for polychlorinated biphenyls and one of two excavated stained soil areas where no previous sampling was conducted.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 98 – G-2 Centerline Crater/Dump
AOC 98 is located in the playa area of the central portion of the main base. The site encompasses two separate bomb craters, each approximately 20 to 30 feet in diameter. The depth of the craters is unknown because they extend below the water table in the area. Reports indicate that both craters may have been used to dispose of waste. Potential wastes include paints and thinners, fuels, solvents, and metals. Dates of waste disposal are unknown.
Based on the investigation results, the data collected from sediment and surface water do not indicate that hazardous substances were disposed of in the craters, and the 2006 preliminary assessment recommended AOC 98 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 98 under IRP Site 80. Discrete sediment samples will be collected and analyzed for chemicals of potential concern for use in the screening-level risk assessments. Surface water samples will be collected for analysis of total and dissolved metals constituents.
Site inspection results will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 106 – Homestead Wells
AOC 106 includes several historical wells located throughout the base, primarily in the western portions of the main base. This AOC is intended as a catchall for all homestead wells at NAWS China Lake. Many of the wells are left over from ranches and homesteads that predate the Navy’s operation in the area, although some are newer and are a result of training by the Navy construction battalion.
The homestead wells have been divided into three categories based on their location. Those primarily on the ranges are identified as AOC 106R or 106, those within the C Corridor are identified as 106A or 236, and those within the G Corridor are identified as AOC 106B or 237. The C and G Corridors are portions of the City of Ridgecrest that were taken over by the Navy for safe-flight operations but are not fenced as part of the base. These corridors contain several old wells that at one time may have supplied drinking water to residents.
Based on the results of the AOC investigation, it does not appear that the wells were used in the past to dispose of hazardous waste of any kind because no significant contamination was detected in any of the samples. However, only a limited number of wells — many of which were poorly sealed, located in areas directly accessible to the public, and screened in the deep aquifer underlying the China Lake area — could be sampled under the AOC program. As a result, the 2006 preliminary assessment concluded that AOC 106 is a larger issue than could be addressed during the AOC investigation. No further action was recommended under the AOC program, but the Navy should consider further actions to manage these wells such as sealing or decommissioning these wells. Lockable well caps were added to previously open wells, and the Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 106 under IRP Site 80. No data gaps have been identified so no additional sampling at AOC 106 has been recommended. In addition, AOC 106 is being removed from the IRP program.

AOC 120 – Kennel Body Dump
AOC 120 is located in the southern portion of the main base. AOC 120 is a burial area used by local kennels in the 1960s and 1970s. It consisted of a series of 5-foot-diameter by 40-foot-deep pits. Potential wastes include quicklime and dead animals.
Based on investigation results, the 2006 preliminary assessment recommended a screening-level risk assessment to confirm that these compounds do not pose a potential risk to human health or the environment, and AOC 120 be considered a low priority for future work. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 120 under IRP Site 80. No data gaps have been identified so no additional sampling at AOC 120 has been recommended.
Under the site inspection, AOC 120 will be recommended for no further action status after the screening-level ecological and human health risk assessments have been completed using existing historical analytical data.

AOC 143 – Dust Abatement
AOC 143 is located throughout the current and historical housing areas of the Mainside portion of the base and involves waste oils used for dust suppression basewide in the 1940s and 1950s. This AOC was studied as part of a larger investigation throughout the housing areas and schools on base in 1999 and 2000. Potential use of polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated oil in dust suppression and routine application of pesticides were the focus of the investigation. Other constituents of concern such as lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and total petroleum hydrocarbons were not part of the analytical suites for either surface or subsurface soil samples.
Based on the results of the previous investigations, the 2006 preliminary assessment recommended AOC 143 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 143 under IRP Site 80. A surface survey will be conducted during the site inspection to document areas of potential lead-based paint debris at the active and inactive housing buildings that may have impacted the surficial soils. If areas of paint debris are identified, up to four surface soil samples will be collected for analysis of lead. Seven soil samples will be collected and analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds to evaluate whether these constituents in the waste oils used for dust suppression have impacted the surficial soils.
Site inspection results will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no of further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 161 – Salt Wells Field Chem Lab
AOC 161 and AOC 239 were originally listed separately during the Point of Interest study but were subsequently identified as the same location during April 2004 site visits. See AOC 239 for a site description.

AOC 163 – Sandquist Gate Motor Repair/Maintenance Area
AOC 163 is located near the southern edge of the main base near the Sandquist Gate. The site consists of a concrete pad near the NOTS Construction Camp, AOC 213, just west of the Sandquist Gate. The sources of waste at this AOC are spills from construction-related storage and activities as well as dumping street sweeping debris. Potential wastes include oil and grease, fuels, and wood scrap. Dates of waste disposal are unknown.
Four samples each of surface and subsurface soil were collected in 2001. Analytical suites included metals, semivolatile organic compounds and total petroleum hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds. Organic compounds were detected at concentrations below residential preliminary remediation goals. Total petroleum hydrocarbon compounds in subsurface soil were detected at a much lower level than at the surface, indicating only minimal infiltration. Arsenic was the only inorganic compound present at concentrations that exceeded background and residential preliminary remedial goals.
Based on the investigation results, the 2006 preliminary assessment recommended AOC 163 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 163 under IRP Site 80. Under the site inspection, soil samples will be collected to evaluate surface soils.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 166 – Skytop Bay 5
AOC 166 was reassigned to the IRP in 2018. AOC 166 is now known as IRP Site 82.

AOC 176 – Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track Old Acid Storage and Degreaser Station
AOC 176 consists of a raised concrete platform with a roof and a concrete slab connected at ground surface. The site is located in the eastern portion of the main base just south of the Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track control and administration building. The source of potential waste is steam-cleaning discharges at this former old acid storage and degreaser station. Potential wastes include solvents, acids, hydraulic oil, oil and grease, gasoline, and detergents. The area was used starting in 1955 for an unknown period.
Based on the investigation results, the 2006 preliminary assessment recommended AOC 176 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 176 under IRP Site 80. Under the site inspection, sampling will evaluate the other two discharge pipes for potential surface soil impacts.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 180 – Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track Service Pit
AOC 180 is a steel-lined pit used for oil changes and other vehicle maintenance. The site is located in the eastern portion of the main base just south of the Supersonic Naval Ordnance Research Track control and administration building. Potential wastes include oil and grease, hydraulic oil, antifreeze, gasoline, fuels, and solvents. Dates of waste disposal are unknown.
Based on the results of the previous investigations, the Navy recommended a screening-level risk assessment to evaluate whether the contaminants of interest pose a potential risk to human health or the environment. The Navy also concluded that contamination associated with this site does not appear to represent a significant release that requires further characterization. Additional site inspections are being conducting by the Navy for AOC 180 under IRP Site 80.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 200 – Richmond Elementary School
AOC 200 is an elementary school located at the northern end of the NAWS China Lake housing area, built in 1952 and still in use today. Dust suppression during building construction is believed to have involved oils, possibly containing polychlorinated biphenyls. The site was included in a 2006 preliminary assessment for housing areas and schools. The preliminary assessment investigated the potential use of polychlorinated biphenyl-containing oil and routine application of pesticides but did not address other constituents of concern such as lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and total petroleum hydrocarbons.
Based on the results of the previous investigations, the preliminary assessment recommended AOC 200 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 200 under IRP Site 80. Under the site inspection, a surface survey will document areas of potential lead-based paint debris at the active and inactive housing buildings. If areas of paint debris are identified, up to four surface soil samples will be collected for analysis of lead to evaluate whether lead-based paint from the buildings potentially impacted the surficial soils. Four soil samples will also be collected and analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds to evaluate whether these constituents were present in the waste oils used for dust suppression and potentially impacted the surficial soils.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 201 – Groves Street Elementary School
AOC 201 was an elementary school located within the old housing area in the central portion of the main base at NAWS China Lake. The school was built in 1952 and was abandoned before investigations were conducted. Potential use of polychlorinated biphenyl-containing oil in dust suppression during building construction and routine application of pesticides were investigated as part of the preliminary assessment in 1999 for the housing areas and schools. No samples were analyzed for other constituents that may be of potential concern, including lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and total petroleum hydrocarbons. The school was subsequently demolished, and the area restored to native desert.
The 2006 preliminary assessment recommended AOC 201 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 201 under IRP Site 80. Under the site inspection, a surface survey will document areas of potential lead-based paint debris at the active and inactive housing buildings that may have impacted the surficial soils. If areas of paint debris are identified, up to four surface soil samples will be collected for analysis of lead. Three soil samples will also be collected and analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds to evaluate whether these constituents were present in the waste oils used for dust suppression and potentially impacted the surficial soils.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 202 – Vieweg Elementary School
AOC 202 was an elementary school located within the old housing area near the southwestern corner of the main base at NAWS China Lake. The school was built in 1952 and was closing when investigations were conducted. The site was included in a 2000 preliminary assessment for housing areas and schools. It included investigating the potential use of polychlorinated biphenyl containing oil for dust suppression and routine application of pesticides but did not address other constituents of concern such as lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and total petroleum hydrocarbons. The school was subsequently demolished, and the area restored to native desert.
The preliminary assessment recommended AOC 202 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 202 under IRP Site 80. Under the site inspection, a surface survey will be conducted to document areas of potential lead-based paint debris at the active and inactive housing buildings that may have impacted the surficial soils. If areas of paint debris are identified, up to four surface soil samples will be collected for analysis of lead. Three soil samples will also be collected and analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds to evaluate whether these constituents were present in the waste oils used for dust suppression and potentially impacted the surficial soils.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 203 – Murray Jr. High School
AOC 203 is a junior high school located in the central portion of the main base at NAWS China Lake. The school was built in 1952 and is still active. The site was included in a 2000 preliminary assessment for housing areas and schools. It investigated the potential use of polychlorinated biphenyl containing oil for dust suppression and routine application of pesticides but did not address other constituents of concern such as lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and total petroleum hydrocarbons.
The preliminary assessment recommended AOC 203 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 203 under IRP Site 80, including a surface survey that will document areas of potential lead-based paint debris at the active and inactive housing buildings that may have impacted the surficial soils. If areas of paint debris are identified, up to four surface soil samples will be collected for analysis of lead. Four soil samples will also be collected and analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds to evaluate whether these constituents were present in the waste oils used for dust suppression and potentially impacted the surficial soils.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 205 – Pierce Elementary School
AOC 205 is an elementary school located in what was a base housing area near the southern boundary of the installation. The area is now part of the City of Ridgecrest. The school was built in 1963 and is still active. The site was included in a 2000 preliminary assessment for housing areas and schools that included investigating the potential use of polychlorinated biphenyl-containing oil for dust suppression and routine application of pesticides but did not address other constituents of concern such as lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and total petroleum hydrocarbons.
The preliminary assessment recommended AOC 205 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 205 under IRP Site 80 that includes a surface survey that will document areas of potential lead-based paint debris at the active and inactive housing buildings that may have impacted the surficial soils. If areas of paint debris are identified, up to four surface soil samples will be collected for analysis of lead. Three soil samples will also be collected and analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds to evaluate whether these constituents were present in the waste oils used for dust suppression and potentially impacted the surficial soils.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 207 – Subcontractor Truck Area
AOC 207 is located just outside the southern base fence and consists of multiple concrete building slabs that were used as a vehicle maintenance area and fueling station from 1947 to 1954. A potential vehicle maintenance pit and fuel pump pad were observed at the southeastern corner of the site. The site reconnaissance also identified an area of stained soil at the western portion of the site. Potential wastes include asbestos, antifreeze, fuels, oil and grease, metal scrap, solvents, waste oil, hydraulic oil, and wood scrap.
The 2006 preliminary assessment recommended a screening-level risk assessment to evaluate whether the contaminants of interest pose a potential risk to human health or the environment. The assessment further recommended AOC 207 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 207 under IRP Site 80. Samples will be collected under the site inspection to assess the extent of metals above soil screening levels at the stained area and former oil pit, evaluate the potential gas pump pad for soil impacts, and analyze samples for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon impacts.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 208 – Old Trailer Court
AOC 208 is located in the southern portion of the base just northwest of the Sandquist Gate and consists of a trailer court that was in operation from 1949 until 1954. During a site reconnaissance in December 2000, several concrete pads and a debris area containing paint and solvent cans, 55-gallon drums, construction debris, and rusted hardware were observed at the eastern end of the site. An area of stained soil was also identified. Potential wastes include wood scrap, waste oil, metal scrap, paints and thinners, solvents, heating oil, fuels, and grease.
The 2006 preliminary assessment recommended a screening-level risk assessment to evaluate whether the contaminants of interest pose a potential risk to human health or the environment. The assessment further recommended AOC 208 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 208 under IRP Site 80. Samples will be collected under the site inspection to supplement existing surface soil data to assess the extent of metals above soil screening levels, to evaluate background arsenic concentrations, assess whether detected arsenic concentrations are related to background, and to evaluate the debris pile for potential soil impacts.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 212 – Byrnes Street School
AOC 212 is located adjacent to the traffic circle near the main gate. The site consists of a building constructed in 1945 and was used until the early 1950s. It was initially used as an equipment building, later for elementary school offices, and then as a Girl Scout Hut. The site was also a former photographic material laboratory. Archived photographs showed stained soil, gas pumps, vehicle maintenance, service, and storage, suggesting past use as a vehicle fueling and service station. Potential wastes included oil and grease, solvents, waste oil, fuels, photo-processing chemicals, and metals.
The 2006 preliminary assessment recommended AOC 212 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 212 under IRP Site 80. Samples will be collected under the site inspection to supplement existing surface soil data.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 213 – NOTS Construction Camp
AOC 213 is a large construction camp used to house construction workers from 1944 to 1950. The site is located in the southern portion of the base just northwest of the Sandquist Gate. It is adjacent to a vehicle maintenance and repair area, AOC 163, and an old trailer park area, AOC 208. Potential wastes include wood scrap, waste oil, metal scrap, paints and thinners, solvents, heating oil, fuels, grease, pesticides, and construction debris.
The 2006 preliminary assessment recommended a screening-level risk assessment to evaluate whether the contaminants of interest pose a potential risk to human health or the environment. Based on the data collected, which indicated that numerous compounds were released, the preliminary assessment recommended AOC 213 as a medium priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 212 under IRP Site 80. Samples will be collected under the site inspection to assess the extent of pesticides and dioxins and furans in soil at areas where historical samples exceeded screening levels and assess areas of debris where samples have not been collected.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 217 – Salt Wells Construction Camp
AOC 217 is located near the southern boundary of the main base, along Highway 178 in Salt Wells Valley. The site is a 20-acre construction camp used to stage equipment during construction in the mid- to late 1940s. Aside from staging equipment, the facility housed vehicle maintenance buildings, a gas station, a paint shop, and other miscellaneous buildings. Potential wastes include wood scrap, waste oil, metal scrap, solvents, oil and grease, construction debris, fuels, gasoline, asbestos, industrial waste, and hydraulic oil.
The 2006 preliminary assessment recommended AOC 217 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 217 under IRP Site 80. Samples will be collected under the site inspection to evaluate asbestos impacts and assess AOC features that were not previously assessed such as the oil pit and metal debris area, and to evaluate potential soil impacts at drainage areas.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020 with no reported results yet available.

AOC 220 – Boy Scout Hut/Photo Shop
AOC 220 is adjacent to the traffic circle near the main gate. The site is the location of a former museum where miscellaneous chemicals and photographic chemicals were used and discarded in sinks from 1945 to the early 1950s. The building was used until 1973. Aerial photos indicated stained soils and probable use of chemical materials. The building was demolished in March 1999. Potential wastes include photographic chemicals, oil, grease, laboratory chemicals, and metals.
The 2006 preliminary assessment recommended AOC 217 as a low priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 217 under IRP Site 80. No data gaps have been identified, so additional sampling at AOC 220 was not recommended.
AOC 220 will be recommended for no further action status after the screening-level ecological and human health risk assessments have been completed using existing historical analytical data.

AOC 221 – Housing Area Chlordane Ditch
AOC 221 is located in the southern portion of the base, just north of the Sandquist Gate. The site consists of a former open trench, approximately 10,000 feet long, that was excavated in April 1952 for application of the pesticide chlordane to minimize migration of insects. The trench was subsequently backfilled. Evidence of the chlordane ditch still exists as a linear depression in the soil north of the old trailer court, AOC 208. Potential wastes include insecticides and pesticides.
Based on the data collected and the portions of the trench that were destroyed, the 2006 preliminary assessment recommended that AOC 221 be considered a low priority for future work. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 221 under IRP Site 80. Samples will be collected under the site inspection to evaluate surface soils for pesticides and for risk assessment, and additional subsurface soil samples will be collected along the eastern portions of the trench, if located, that were not identified during the prior investigation. Additionally, a data gaps investigation is planned after the site inspection and before remedial alternatives are evaluated. A topographic mapping survey will be conducted at AOC 221 to aid in characterizing the site. Soil samples will be collected to evaluate migration and potential infiltration away from the disposal areas and in areas of burning and staining south of the disposal area.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned to begin in 2020, and the data gaps work plan and fieldwork were anticipated in fall 2020. After data from the site inspection and data gaps investigation become available, the Navy and regulatory agencies will establish the path forward for AOC 221.

AOC 227 – Baker 3 Area Water Well Site
AOC 227 is located near the western boundary of the main base in Baker Range. AOC 227 consists of an abandoned well site that is not associated with any structures in the area. It is believed that the Navy construction battalion may have installed the well as a practice drinking water supply well. Potential wastes and dates of waste disposal, if any, are unknown.
The 2006 preliminary assessment recommended no further action with decommissioning or sealing of the well. Because AOC 227 is not affiliated with a CERCLA release, the Navy will not be undertaking a site inspection and will be removing the AOC from the CERCLA program.

AOC 229 – Charlie Range Construction Compound
AOC 229 is located in the western portion of the main base, as part of Charlie Range. AOC 229 is a 5-acre compound used to store construction materials from the 1940s to the 1960s. Archived photos indicate that 55-gallon drums were stored in the area. Potential wastes include construction debris, electronic equipment, metals, industrial waste, target debris, metal scrap, wood scrap, and asbestos.
The 2006 preliminary assessment recommended AOC 229 as a medium priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 229 under IRP Site 80. Under the site inspection, surface soil samples at AOC 229 will be collected to supplement existing surface soil data. Soil samples will also be collected for asbestos analysis where asbestos-containing materials were identified and at AOC features that were not previously assessed, such as burn and debris areas. Additional soil samples will be collected for analysis of metals outside of the AOC boundary to assess whether detected metals concentrations within the AOC are within background ranges. In addition, one groundwater sample will be collected at the southern burn area to assess the presence or absence of dioxins and furans in groundwater.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 230 – Charlie Range Polychlorinated Biphenyl Transformer Dump Site
AOC 230 was reassigned to the IRP in 2018. The site is now known as IRP Site 83.

AOC 231 – Charlie Range 500-Gallon Aboveground Gas Tank
AOC 231 is located in the western portion of the main base, as part of Charlie Range. The site is the result of potential fuel spills from an aboveground storage tank operated from 1975 to 1979. No tank or significant areas of stained soil were observed during a site reconnaissance in December 2000. Potential wastes include gasoline, fuels, and solvents.
The 2006 preliminary assessment recommended a screening-level risk assessment to evaluate whether the contaminants of interest pose a potential risk to human health or the environment. It recommended AOC 231 as a medium priority for further investigation. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 231 under IRP Site 80. Under the site inspection, surface soil samples at AOC 231 will be collected to delineate the extent of total petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons above soil screening levels near the previous sample location and to collect background data for metals in soil outside the AOC boundary to assess whether detected metals within the AOC are within background ranges.
The results of the site inspection will indicate whether immediate, investigative, or no further action is required. The field activities were planned for 2020, with no reported results yet available.

AOC 232 – Charlie Range Dump Abandoned Well
AOC 232 is located in the western portion of the main base, as part of Charlie Range. The site includes an existing well possibly used for disposal of waste from range operations. Potential wastes and dates of disposal are unknown.
The 2006 preliminary assessment recommended a screening-level risk assessment and sealing the well casing. It further recommended AOC 232 as a low priority for future work. The Navy is conducting additional site inspections for AOC 232 under IRP Site 80. No data gaps have been identified, so additional sampling under the site inspection was not recommended.
AOC 232 will be recommended for no further action status after the screening-level ecological and human health risk assessments have been completed using existing historical analytical data.

AOC 235 – Salt Wells Burn Area
AOC 235 was reassigned to the IRP after a 2016 site inspection that included the site. AOC 235 is now known as IRP Site 84.
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