VDEQ requested EPA assistance to assess a van full of unknown chemicals on a property in Luray, VA. The OSC initiated an assessment on August 31, 2016. During the initial assessment activities, the OSC noticed "poisonous" and "flammable" labels on chemical bottles, crystalized caps on glass bottle-ware, and many unknown chemicals in several totes within the van. Based on these observations, the OSC activated an EPA emergency response action. Potential exposure and threat to human health and the environment issues, threat of fire/explosion, and lack of Commonwealth of Virginia resources provide justification for the removal action. The property is part of an unsettled estate, and the family associated with the property does not have the financial means to address the assessment and disposal of the chemicals in a timely manner.
EPA plans to establish perimeter air monitoring, identify contents of the chemicals inside the van, segregate the chemicals, and initiate T&D of the chemicals located inside the van.
FINAL UPDATE: All Removal Actions have been completed by the RPs cleanup contractor, with EPA providing oversight. Removal of chemicals was conducted onsite on 5-22-2017, with RP contractor demobe on 5-23-2017.
