An emergency response action was initiated at the Radiation Technology, Inc. (RTI) Site (Site) located at 108 Lake Denmark Road in Rockaway, Morris County, New Jersey. The RTI Site was listed on the National Priority List (NPL) in 1984. In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) performed a removal action to address asbestos containing material (ACM) on outdoor piping on the Site (RV1). On January 10, 2013, EPA’s Region II Removal Action Branch (RAB) was contacted by EPA’s Remedial Program concerning an unknown number of drums and containers located within a formerly sealed building on the Site. Apparently, vandals recently broke into the building revealing the drums inside. On January 14, 2013, the EPA On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) visited the Site and observed approximately 30, 55-gallon drums and forty other containers including 30-gallon drums and 5-gallon totes some of which were rusted through and leaking. On January 15 and 17, 2013, the OSC along with the Removal Support Team (RST) contractor, performed hazard characterization sampling of the drums and containers and recorded results indicating the contents included Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) hazardous substances (including flammable, corrosive, and oxidizing wastes). A fence surrounds the Site, however there are holes in the fence and trespassing is common as evidenced by graffiti and signs of vandalism on many buildings. EPA determined that a CERCLA removal action is warranted to address the orphan containers of hazardous substances. Because the substances pose a threat to trespassers at the Site, the OSC requested and was granted verbal authorization to initiate an emergency removal action on January 28, 2013.
