United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region V
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

Economy Plating Inc. is an former plating shop which operated for approximately 70 years.  The site was discovered vacant and abandoned by the Chicago Department of the Environment (DOE) in January 2009. DOE's inspection indicated the presence of numerous drums and containers which were filled with unknown liquids and solids. Markings on the drums/containers include chromic acid, hyrdrochloric acid, methyl acetate, and oxidizer. DOE ordered the owner/operator to clean up the site. However, the owner/operator was unable to pay for the cleanup. The site was referred to USEPA for cleanup in May 2009.

USEPA conducted a site assessment on June 5, 2009 and found evidence of breakins & tresspassers plus holes in the building where weather can enter the facility. Approximately 70 containers(open & closed, 5 gallons and greater)plus 12 vats were found containing old chromic acid solutions, other acids, and unknown solids. Several containers were found to be leaking in the basement. Open  containers of white solids were sampled.  Results received on June 12, 2009 indicated that two 5 gallon cardboard drums of solids contained up to 350,000 mg/kg of total cyanide. USEPA decided to conduct an emergency response on June 12, 2009.

On June 13, 2009, 0800 hrs, USEPA mobilized ERRS and START contractors to the site to secure the open containers of cyanide and leaking drums. The other objective was to secure the facility to prevent any more tresspassing. These objectives were completed by 1800 hours.  The cyanide was repacked in two 55 gallon polydrums and placed in the office area away from acid. 18 leaking containers were repacked. A drum of nitric acid was also overpacked. The facility was boarded up and new locks installed. Signage was installed to warn of the presence of hazardous material.

Initiate activities to transport & dispose of the cyanide waste drums as soon as possible.

Initiate activities to transition the cleanup to a time critical removal action, to clean up the rest of the facility.

Issue General Notice letters to potentially responsible parties

Complete Action Memo to initiate time critical removal action.

Residents are within 10 feet of the site and are concerned. Present, past, and future activities at the site have been and will continue to be done in coordination with the community, Chicago DOE, Adlerman's office, Chicago Fire Department, and Chicago Police Department.