On April 14, 2011 at approximately noon, the Facilities Management Division (FMD) of the New Beginnings Youth Development Center located at 8400 River Rd., Laurel, Md., discovered a vandalized transformer outside of Hemlock Cottage. The transformer contained 250 gallons of mineral oil. The transformer weighing in excess of 3 tons was found laying on its side with the top unbolted. The liquid content had been released to a nearby stormwater catch basin. The catch basin drained to a surface wet lands approximately 50 yards away. The Patuxent River is approximately 200 yards down gradient. Hemlock Cottage is a vacant and abandoned structure which formerly served as housing for residents of a closed DC facility. The site is surrounded by a marsh wooded area which abuts the Patuxent River, a navigable water body of the US. The facility is owned and operated by the District of Columbia.
FMD proceeded to notify the National Response Center. An environmental contractor was contacted (Petroleum Management Inc, PMI, Baltimore, Md). PMI responded along with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) on April 14. The mineral oil was assumed to contain PCBs until analytical was returned. During the mitigation process, under the direction of the MDE, 24 drums of water/oil, 5 drums of oil remaining in transformer, 5 drums of solid - leaves debris, 1 drum of waste PPE, and 1 drum of rinse water from vac truck were generated. Drums were left on site pending return of site analytical report. PMI retrieved three samples (background, oil and soil) and sent to nearby lab for quick turnaround. On April 20, 2011 results returned indicating non detect for PCBs.
On April 15, 2011 the MDE requested EPA response lead for this action.
On April 26 the FOSC performed an inspection of the site. All drums remain on site. Minor visible contamination remains in the wetlands area. There was no impact to the Patuxent River although it was threatened. There are also 20 other transformers located on the facility within various outlying buildings all representing similar type release threats. EPA R3 SPCC program has been working with the FMD in order to bring them into compliance including the transformers. The FOSC will continue to oversee final removal activities including removal of remaining abandoned transformers on site.
