The SCO Site is located at 3404 Ann Avenue, Ashtabula, Ashtabula County, Ohio, 44004. The Site is approximately 1/4 acre in size and is located in a densely populated residential and industrial area. The facility is comprised of: an approximate 2,100 ft2 one story building; six poly ASTs including ancillary piping and equipment (e.g. overflow tank, expansion tank - content unknown); an open sump; and a deteriorating concrete tank pad with a gravel berm that was formerly asphalt coated.
The Site has chain link fencing on the western and eastern sides of the facility that is joined on the north by the on-site building and to the south by a neighboring manufacturing facility. The property is bordered on the west and north by Ann Avenue and residential housing, to the east by railroad tracks and a residential area, and to the south by industrial facilities. The terrain at the Site is generally level with drainage flowing into an open drainage ditch along the railroad tracks. The drainage ditch eventually flows to the Ashtabula River.
Site Background
The SCO Site was a former bulk storage facility operated by Gulf Oil Corporation (GOC). During GOC ownership, several underground storage tanks (USTs) and ASTs existed at the Site. Smith Transportation Company began operations at the Site in August of 1980. SCO is known to have stored spent pickle liquor in tanks at the Site during the late 1990's. Reportedly, Mr. Smith had a licensed contractor remove all of GOC’s storage tanks and installed the, existing poly AST’s in the early 1990's. SCO began operating the Site on or about 1995 and ceased operations in November 2001. Approximately 34,200 gallons of corrosive hazardous waste is contained in six ASTs and an open sump at the Site.
In addition, chromium was detected above the characteristic hazardous waste level in the open sump. The sump is believed to contain approximately 200 gallons of waste. The sump is believed to be unlined.
The corrosive hazardous waste in the AST’s had a liquid upper portion and a lower portion reported to be a siliceous heel. Upper and lower tank samples were collected and analyzed. Further characterization of lower portions of selected AST’s may be warranted due to elevated levels of chromium detected in the open sump. The building contains miscellaneous debris and a few containers of waste. Releases of oil and hydraulic fluid were noted in and around the outside perimeter of the building.
The ASTs and ancillary equipment (valves) do not appear to be locked out and are susceptible to vandalism. The tank system’s secondary containment has been compromised from past releases. The containers inside the building are generally in good condition, however, releases of waste (primarily oils) were observed on the floor of the building and perimeter soils.
