United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region VI
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

At 1656 EST on 18 March 2008, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) notified the National Response Center (NRC#865386) of a discharge of materials from multiple containers at a former metal plating facility in Malakoff, Henderson County, Texas. TCEQ representatives stated that the site was previously operated by BBB Bumper Manufacturing and has been out of operation for at least eight years. The site is located near downtown Malakoff, adjacent to a retail shopping center and a church.

During the week of 12 October 2009, EPA contractors sampled containers containing neutral, caustic, and corrosive solid and liquid chemicals and chemical wastes in Level B and C PPE, as appropriate. Level B sampling operations of caustic and corrosive materials were facilitated with use of a Cascade supplied breathing air system. Samples were tested on-site and categorized into waste stream compatibility groups and staged accordingly inside the facility until laboratory analysis results were returned for determination of transportation and disposal disposition.

During the week of 19 October 2009, EPA contractors transferred the 13 metal drums found onsite containing chromic acid to DOT-approved drums for transport and disposal. Durign this week, EPA contractors emptied solid debris from vats and cleaned vats of residue; conducted additional housekeeping measures; and setup remote air monitoring locations along exits of facility to utilize during chemical transfer. In addition, START-3 filmed a road documentation video and performed an asbestos inspection of the building. Plans were also made for an additional culvert to be installed to allow for driveway expansion to the site.

During the week of 26 October 2009, vat cleaning and emptying continued. A culvert was installed and the site driveway was expanded. EPA contractors began transferring acids into DOT-approved containers.

During the week of 2 November 2009, shipping of non-hazardous and hazrdous wastes began. Approximately 38,000 gallons of hazardous liquids were shiiped off-site and approximately 48,000 pounds of solid hazardous material and debris was shipped off-site. EPA contractors also removed PCB containing ballasts from the building for disposal.

During the week of 9 November 2009, sampling activies were conducted. 558 samples were collected and sent for analysis to determine the extent of soil removal activities needed.

EPA will conduct soil removal activities, demolition of the existing building, and demolition of the concrete floor located inside of the building.

Proximity of the site to residential and commercial areas may constitute a hazard to the public. Poor site conditions may result in offsite impacts by hazardous materials present on-site.