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Remacor, Inc.

 
Site Contact:
Ann DiDonato
OSC

(didonato.ann@epa.gov)

Site Location:
P.O. Box 366
Route 168
West Pittsburg, PA 16160
 response.epa.gov/remacor

Remacor, Inc. is a 45-acre facility that was used to process secondary magnesium scrap into magnesium powder and granules for use as a desulfurization agent in the steel industry. The facility processed these materials by cleaning and mixing them with lime to produce magnesium granules. Wastes generated from magnesium processing include magnesium and lime waste, magnesium oxide waste, lime waste, and process water. The magnesium fines, turnings and shavings used in processing are ignitable and are classified by the U.S. DOT as Hazardous Materials.

A fire occurred at the site during August 2005 that destroyed a building and processing equipment. Since that time, Remacor, Inc. continued to accumulate magnesium scrap but was unable to process the material. An inspection by EPA and PADEP revealed a fire and explosion hazard due to the presence of an estimated 3 million pounds of magnesium turnings (more recently revised to 6 million pounds) staged mostly in drums or supersacks, and in buildings with leaky roofs or lacking doors, and/or exposed to the weather. In addition, low level radiation sources are present on the Site and the Site is unsecured due to gaps and openings in the perimeter fence. The town of West Pittsburg is located in the immediate downwind footprint of the Site and the Beaver River borders the west side of the Site.

The Site poses a threat to public health, welfare, or the environment due to high potential for fire from poor storage of pyrophoric metals and potential release of low level radioactive sources. The OSC has determined that the Site meets the criteria of Section 300.415 of the NCP for initiating a Removal Action. On September 13, 2006, OSC Jack Downie, pursuant to the re-delegation of Authority 14-2, authorized an emergency action to stabilize and secure the Site.


Overview of stacked drums and burned down building The rubble and rusted drums in the middle of the photo are within the footprint of the building that burned to the ground. The Taylor Township Municipal Office building is at right center (brown roof). Most drums on site are double stacked. Aerial view of the site. Pile of debris south of Building 9 presumably from the torn down building where Rare Earth operations occurred. Slag rocks unearthed on the southern end of the property at the toe of a layer of fill that extends from Building 9 south. Radiological readings from the chunks of slag at approximately 350 microR/hr. Condition of another drum where layers of steel are ready to flake off near the bottom of the drum. Condition of a drum where the side has completely rusted out and spilled material on the ground. The pile of burnt debris and drums from north end of pile with elevated readings (100 - 150 microR/hr). Tarps in good condition. OSC and ERT returning from the west side of the DeOx Sulphur Building where a spot was located that gave a reading of 30 microR/hr. Two drums of magnesium turnings lay on the ground, open, and partially covered in snow. Charred drums of magnesium cuttings and fines. EPA and PADEP inspect an area of dumped fines that spontaneously caught fire at night on 01/17/2007. On the morning of 8/27/07 a fire (and possible minor explosion) erupted in the August 6, 2005 fire debris pile. Security noticed the incident on the Site security camera at 0820 hours. The guard immediately notified START (on site) than called 911, the ERRS response manager (off site) and START lead at the Wheeling office. David Allegro, the Taylor Township Fire Chief, also noticed the start of the incident from his business in West Pittsburg. START was on-scene immediately to assess and photo document the event. The West Pittsburg Volunteer Fire Department responded. Picture 1147 shows the fire 1-2 minutes into the event. The Panella building (green roof) and part of the West Penn (Reliant Energy) power plant are in the background. Picture 1148 was taken at the same location as 1147 only zoomed in. This picture indicates that the fire is actually in two nearby but separate locations. Picture 1150 shows the fire area 5-6 minutes into the event after the fire died down. A fireman is checking the fire area with a thermal imager device. The roof area of one of the Taylor Township municipal buildings is show in the background. Material Reacting when removed from burn pile and exposed to the elements (rain) Material Reacting when removed from burn pile and exposed to the elements (rain) START using thermal imager to check temperature in reaction pit. Material reacting in reaction pit. EPA ERRS contractor Guardian Environmental Inc sifting material. EPA ERRS contractor Guardian Environmental Inc sifting material from burn pile. Excavator Operator segregating self igniting material taken from the burn pile. Excavator Operator segregating self igniting material taken from the burn pile. Fire #8 (Bright sunny morning, but the light from the burning magnesium makes it look like night. Fire #8 November 30, 2007 (Picture taken approximately 400 feet from incident. Plastic materials within 100 feet were melted.) Fire #8 aftermath. Fire #8 aftermath. Pile that has been reacting for 6 weeks is being reacted again ERRS preparing to take reacting pile to reaction pit Pile reacting near reaction pit ERRS moving pile to reaction pit Material from Building #2 reacting in the pit ERRS working on fire in the pit Material from Building #2 reacting in the pit Material from Building #2 reacting in the pit Material from Building #2 reacting in the pit Fire near pit 4/3/08 Fire near pit 4/3/08 Drum Fire evening of 4/8/08. The Guard noticed a fire behind building #2. ERRS was called in to stabilize the drum in the reaction pit. Drum Fire 4/8/08 A litter of kittens cats found in a magnesium drum inside a building east of the reaction pit.. Elemental magnesium cuttings, incredible energy yet still a safe haven to raise 6 ferrell kittens. Waste oil being removed off site ERRS nuetralizing drums in reaction pit ERRS nuetralizing drums in reaction pit ERRS nuetralizing material in reaction pit ERRS moving drums to staging area for repackaging ERRS repackaging drums ERRS repackaging material ERRS repackaging material Part of 3,500 double stacked magnesium drums with one way vent valves awaiting disposal or recycling in building 2.
For additional information, visit the Pollution Report (POLREPS) section.