Approximately 25 totes, 65 drums, 10 pits/vats/tanks, and numerous smaller containers of liquid and solid waste were abandoned at the former Heus Manufacturing facility in early, 2010. The abandoned waste was discovered by City of New Holstein officials, who requested assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). The whereabouts of the property owner were unknown to local and state officials and the City and State did not have the resources to dispose of the abandoned waste. In June, 2010, WDNR requested that U.S. EPA conduct a time-critical removal action at the Site.
In August 2010, U.S. EPA conducted a site assessment at the facility to quantify and characterize the abandoned waste. The building was in generally good condition, however significant pooling of water on the floor was observed from numerous leaks in the roof. The majority of the material is waste oil, some containing PCBs. Limited quantities of corrosive materials were also identified. Some of the older drums abandoned at the facility were under pressure. Oil had been spilled on the floor in many areas of the building, resulting in very slippery conditions. Numerous open pits filled with liquid waste were observed throughout the facility. There is no power to the building and sources of natural light are very limited. Other than the perimeter fence, the building is unsecured. Conditions in the facility present a significant safety hazard for anyone in the building. Evidence of recent trespassing includes graffiti and empty soda and beer cans.
In September, 2010, U.S. EPA initiated negotiations with the PRPs to clean-up the abandoned waste at the facility. Due to concerns related to winter weather conditions, Tecumseh Products and TecumsehPower (owners/operators of the facility prior to Heus Manufacturing) ceased AOC negotiations in November, 2010 and commenced a voluntary clean-up at the Site. Chief Industrial Services was retained to conduct the clean-up. The clean-up was conducted consistent with the National Contingency Plan, with U.S. EPA overseeing the removal.
A small amount of the work agreed upon could not be completed due to the onset of freezing temperatures in December. Tecumseh and Chief returned to the Site on April 26, 2011 to complete the remaining removal work. The chromium pit was emptied and cleaned. However, the wastewater tanks could not be effectively steam cleaned due to lingering freezing cold temperatures. Tecumseh and Chief returned to the Site again on June 7, 2011 to finish cleaning the wastewater treatment tanks. The voluntary clean-up was completed by Tecumseh on June 8, 2011.
Heavy snow caused a portion of the deteriorating roof to collapse during the winter. Storm water is beginning to re-enter the facility thru the opening in the roof. One pit cleaned by Tecumseh has refilled with stormwater. The City of New Holstein is in receipt of a Brownfields Grant to further study the Site and ultimately promote reuse of the property.
