MassDEP Releases Long-Awaited LNAPL Guidance

MassDEP recently published its final guidance for Light Nonaqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPL).   The document provides guidance on investigating and assessing the presence and migration of LNAPL at disposal sites regulated under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP).

When MassDEP amended the MCP regulations back in 2014, it included some changes to address petroleum sites with LNAPL. Previously, sites with 1/2" or more of LNAPL present were stuck at a temporary solution. Frequently the 1/2" Upper Contamination Limit (UCL) was the only thing preventing closure for sites with no significant risk. The goal of the amendments is to allow licensed site professionals (LSPs) to make a site-specific determination whether conditions pose any significant risk. LSPs may now use multiple lines of evidence to determine whether the LNAPL is stable or non-stable and whether it has micro-scale mobility. The amendments update the assessment and source control rules to reflect