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 & trespassers plus holes in the building where weather can enter the facility. Approximately 195 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. Results received on June 12, 2009 indicated open containers of solids contained up to 350,000 mg/kg of total cyanide. An emergency removal action was conducted from June 13-17, 2009 which collected, packaged, and properly disposed two drums of the high level cyanide materials.  In addition, 18 leaking containers were repacked and a drum of nitric acid was repacked.  The building was resecured and signs put up to discourage trespassing.  This completed Phase I of the cleanup.

An Action Memorandum to fund and authorize a time critical removal action was approved and signed on August 4, 2009.  A site walk through was conducted on August 18, 2009 with EPA contractors and the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) . ERRS contractor acquired unpaid permit from the City to close sidewalk and street portion. OSC Mendoza notified the Chicago FD, Chicago DOE, and Alderman's office of upcoming work.  A health and safety plan (HASP) was drafted for review, by EPA ERRS contractor on August 28, 2009. Phase II of the cleanup is defined as the removal of hazardous substances/material inside the building to the extent practical.  

On-site work to remove hazardous substances inside the building has been completed to the extent practical.   Site was secured and EPA personnel have temporarily demobilized from the site. 32nd Ward Alderman’s Office and Chicago DOE representatives were notified by phone.  The  following activities were completed during this period 10/22 to 11/19/2009:
- Cleanup in the main plating shop and old plating shop areas have been completed.  Work involved removal and cleaning of metal vats, and removal of solid and hazardous debris and sludge.  Pit walls and floors were power-washed.
- Controls to block exposure pathways from building’s contaminated outside walls to surrounding residents have been installed including epoxy sealant, plywood boards, and metal fencing.
- EPA initiated discussions with the City of Chicago regarding the feasibility of demolishing/disposing  the building.
- Accessible windows and doors have been boarded up and locked and back parking lot fenced off  to deter trespassers.
- Signs have been posted to deter people from touching contaminated walls and to deter trespasses.  
- An additional 16.455 tons of scrap metal (Total 17.555 tons) was recovered, decontaminated, and recycled resulting in about $2,240 savings to the cleanup.
- An additional 25 cubic yards of hazardous waste (solid, Chromium) was collected disposed.  (total of 55 cubic yards).
- An additional 128 Drums of Chromium contaminated hazardous waste were packed, staged and shipped offsite this period (total is 223 Drums). The drums contained chromic acid solution, chromic acid solid flakes, Waste codes include D007, D010,D008, D004, D002, D006.
- 26 drums of miscellaneous hazard substances including cyanide, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, Sodium hydroxide, mercury (switches), PCB light ballast, fluorescent lamps, and flammables were collected and disposed.
- A total of 160 cubic yards of solid waste was removed and disposed for the purpose of clearing work areas (H&S) and fire safety.
- Samples were collected and results indicate that there is contaminated soil beneath the main plating shop pit.

- Conduct planning activities with City of Chicago to determine the steps necessary to demolish and dispose of the building to removed health risk to the community.  The Goal is to implement demolition and disposal by Spring 2010.
- Maintain Site controls to prevent exposure of hazardous substances to the community and prevent trespassing.

- Conduct weekly inspections of the Site to ensure that controls (epoxy sealant, boards, fencing, locks), and boarded up doors/windows remain in place and intact and repair/replace as necessary.

- Conduct community relations activities as needed to keep community informed and local authorities.

- Continue work with the City of Chicago and EPA enforcement team to pursue demolition alternative.

-  Scope out and draft a Demolition/Disposal Work Plan

Site is closely surrounded by residents and businesses. Close coordinated is needed with local authorities and community to ensure success with the removal action.

Hexavelant chromium contamination on the outside walls of the building presents an unacceptable long-term health risk to residents.

Waste Stream:  RQ, Waste Cyanides, Inorganic, Solid, n.o.s.   (Sodium Cyanide), 6.1,UN1588, PGII, (F008)
Quantity: Two Drums
Manifest #:  001344657 FLE
Disposal Facility: Envirite of IL. Harvey IL.