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 continue.  Waste analysis deemed that all staged soil can be disposed as RCRA non-hazardous.  Approximately 4361 tons of lead-contaminated soils have been disposed of to date.  Soils are being transported to Waste Management, Bethel Landfill, in Hampton, VA for dispsoal.

Approximately 100 cubic yards of railroad ties have been stockpiled for off site disposal.  Subcontract consent for disposal was provided by the R3 CO and the FOSC approved the waste profile.

Repairs were completed along the western boundary fence this week.

The remaining removal actions include completion of T&D, decontamination, and stabilization.

The following tasks are planned for the next reporting period:

- Maintain erosion/sediment controls.  
- Complete transportation and disposal of contaminated soils.
- Complete transportation and disposal of rail ties.
- Complete decontamination of concrete pads

Final profile depicting the railroad ties wastestream to be finalized this week.  Transportation and disposal of this wastestream will occur pending acceptance of this profile.