United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region VI
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

OSC Nancy Jones and START were dispatched to the Norphlet Chemical Company (NCC) located outside El Dorado, AR.  It was reported (NCC) is storing hydrofluoric acid (HF, 7,800 gallons) in an unsafe manner that may lead to a HF release from the plant.  The plant is located next to the Norphlet Elementary school.  Union County Judge Bobby Edmonds declared an emergency 17 April 2009 . Because of the emergency order and the close proximity of the to the plant, the school was closed.

START arrived on early morning(approx 12:01 AM, April 17) to begin perimeter air monitoring. Additionally, a START HF expert is in route to the scene (arrival 4/17 PM).  Initially, EPA will collect data to determine if there is an air release and determine if the site poses an imminent and substantial threat to the community.  EPA is coordinating closely with the local authorities, ADEQ, ADEM, and DHS.

NCC is a chemical manufacturing facility specializing in producing refrigerant (R134A) used in automobiles.  It is reported the facility is in bankruptcy.

NCC is located at 600 MacMillian (State Hwy 335) at the former location of  the Macmillan Oil Refinery Building.  

On 16 April 2009, START-3 mobilized to the site and arrived on site at 1205 am on 17 April 2009.  START-3 met with the Deputy Sheriff and entered the facility to determine the location of the tanks containing HF.  START-3 observed that the school and several residences are located directly downwind from the facility.  START-3 set up five air monitors with HF sensors: four located downwind near the school and residences and one located on the START-3 vehicle.  START-3 conducted air monitoring throughout the night and air monitoring readings were 0.0 ppm at all of the locations.
OSC Nancy Jones mobilized to the site at 0800 hours on 17 April 2009 and met with DHS, Union County Sheriff and Judge, and the City of Norphlet Mayor who is also a member of the Board of Directors with Norphlet Chemical on-site to discuss the current situation and develop future actions.  After observing the condition of the flanges, valves, and gauges on the waste tanks and discussions with the parties on-site, it was determined that the manner in which the chemicals are stored at the facility pose an immediate and substantial threat to the surrounding community.
EPA OSC Jones told the Mayor of Norphlet that she will give the company 5-7 days to remove the HF product from the facility.  EPA contacted the ERRS contractor to begin planning for the removal of the HF/TCE waste mixture.

EPA is mobilizing ERRS contractor's high hazard materials handling team as a reactionary group in case of material release.

START-3 will continue to conduct air monitoring.

EPA will continue to coordinate with the RP and state and local officials to ensure that the tanks containing HF and HF waste mixture will be removed and disposed of properly.

The facility is located adjacent to an elementary school and several residences.