On May 31, 2006, a 60-gallon transformer containing an estimated 50-gallons of PCB oil (250 ppm) was mistakenly shipped, by Fluor-Hanford (F-H, a U.S. Department of Energy contractor) from Hanford, with 59 other dry transformers, to a metal recovery facility, Twin City Metals (TCM) in Kennewick, WA. Reportedly, the transformers were processed and a spill occurred on June 1. Fluor Hanford did not identify the PCB transformer as missing until June 8 at which time it was located at another facility in Tacoma. F-H took prompt action to recover the transformer and began tracking the path it followed during transportation and processing. F-H conducted assessment and cleanup activities in Tacoma and at TCM. They also notified the EPA Region 10 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) program and consulted with EPA personnel about actions to be taken.
A F-H Industrial Hygienist was dispatched to the TCM facility to brief employees and collect potentially contaminated clothing. F-H initiated cleanup at the TCM facility, stockpiled the contaminated soil and is awaiting analytical results and preparation and submittal of a remediation plan.
On June 16, 2006, the EPA Region 10 Emergency Response Unit was notified by TSCA program personnel of the potential exposure of a TCM employee to the spilled transformer oil. Reportedly, the employee may have been exposed during receipt and processing of the full transformer and he may have inadvertedly contaminated his vehicles, his residence, and possibly his family via contaminated clothing and boots worn home after work. The worker had presented with a rash at an Occupational clinic and reportedly was diagnosed with cloracne, a potential symptom of PCB exposure.
OSC Boykin participated in conference calls with F-H, Department of Energy personnel, EPA Hanford Project Office personnel, and requested ATSDR assistance and representation on the calls to address human exposure and risk concerns. Additional potential exposure scenarios were identified with other TCM employees, with J. Simon and Sons workers at the transfer facility in Tacoma, with General Commodities employees and Lee Industries workers in Tacoma/Fife, and with Fedex employees who transported/handled the transformers from Kennewick to Tacoma.
The OSC, with START assistance, will conduct oversight of PRP assessment and cleanup activities and will collect samples as necessary to confirm contamination presence, proper cleanup and decontamination. The TSCA program will oversee F-H and TCM remediation of the TCM facility.
