United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region III
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

Chesapeake Products Site is located in a heavily industrialized area of Chesapeake, Virginia adjacent to the southern branch of the Elizabeth River.  The site is approximately 7.6 acres in size and was previously used for the production of micro-nutrient fertilizer.  Prior to 2009 several large buildings were located on site. The city of Chesapeake Fire Department deemed the buildings unsafe for occupancy in 2004.  EPA conducted site assessments at the site in 2005 and 2006.  Numerous piles of micro-nutrient fertilizer and fertilizer raw materials were located inside site buildings.  The roof of the main warehouse building had partially collapsed and almost the entire floor was flooded with water.  The building contained approximately 314,000 gallons of flood water.  Analytical results indicated that site soil, material piles, and flood water contained elevated levels of lead and other hazardous substances or pollutants and contaminants.  Chesapeake Products and Frit Industries, Inc. (Frit) entered into a Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent (AOC) with EPA in August 2007.  Frit agreed to remove material piles and flood water from the site and to demolish site buildings.  All work agreed to under the AOC was completed between August 2008 and May 2009.  On November 30, 2009 EPA initiated a removal action at the site to remove lead contaminated surface soil and to decontaminate concrete surfaces.  

Transportation and disposal of contaminated soils began this week.  Waste analysis deemed that the soil can be disposed as RCRA non-hazardous.  Approximately 700 tons of lead-contaminated soils were disposed during this reporting period.  Soils are being transported to Waste Management, Bethel Landfill, in Hampton, VA for dispsoal.

ERRS also completed decontamination of the concrete pad.  These soils are curretnly staged on the pad   All contaminated soils are covered and awaiting transportation and disposal.  

Approximately 100 cubic yards of railroad ties have been stockpiled for off site disposal / recycling.  

ERRS continued access road repair by filling drainage areas with stone.  The Site has been extremely wet, increasing the hazards for the trucks entering the Site.  ]

A representative from the Site owner's contractor, SES, was on scene to oversee activities.

Excavated soil and material will be shipped off site for disposal at an appropriate facility.   Rail ties will be transported off site for disposal as hazardous waste.  

Water pooled on concrete surfaces will be pumped through a Dirtbag to remove sediment to facilitate decontamination of concrete surfaces.  Concrete surfaces will be decontaminated in areas where lead is detected at concentrations greater than 800 ppm.

The following tasks are planned for the next reporting period:

- Maintain erosion/sediment controls.  
- Continue transportation and disposal of contaminated soils.
- Transportation and disposal of rail ties will be finalized.
- Decontamination of concrete pads to continue

Heavy rain and record snowstorms have adversely impacted T&D activities and damaged the access road.  Maintenance is continued daily.

OSC Wagner is covering for OSC Ventura during week of 2/8/10.