United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region III
POLLUTION REPORT

Subject: 

See previous POLREPS for Site description information.  

A summary of the removal site evaluation (characterization) conducted is contained in the document "Summary of Removal Site Evaluation Analytical Data", dated February 2, 2010, posted to the web at www.epaosc.org/tcca.  In general, the Site contains inorganic and organic contamination of soil (primarily sandblasting grit) and shallow underground water (contaminated by former lagoon contents and tank releases).  Additionally, the Site's ground water and surface water exiting the TCCA property contains detectable concentrations of Site-related contamination.  Finally, samples collected from residential properties adjacent to the Site and from dirt alongside the roadways leading from the Site contain detectable concentrations of inorganic and/or organic contaminants attributable to the Site.  

The TCCA Site contains a large amount of sandblasting grit contaminated by inorganic contamination (e.g., lead) and organic contamination (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)).  The Site formerly contained lagoons; the residuals in these lagoons contain high concentrations of organic contaminants such as benzene, naphthalene, and PAHs and these contaminants have entered into the subsurface soils and shallow underground water.  

The Site property continues to be used by numerous businesses for storage of equipment and materials.  

Based upon the analytical results of the samples collected during the removal site evaluation and an evaluation of the potential threats posed by the hazardous substance contamination at the Site, EPA Region III approved additional funding to conduct additional response actions at the Site. The total funding now available for response actions is $2,650,469.  The response action will generally include actions intended to consolidate onto the TCCA property those hazardous substances posing a threat which have migrated from the property and to minimize further release of hazardous substances from the Site through a combination of disposal and covering actions.

After obtaining formal access to the railroad property adjacent to the TCCA property, EPA re-initiated the response action at the Site.  Initial actions focused on characterizing the contaminants upon the railroad right of way, evaluating drainage from the TCCA property, evaluating details of the pending response action (such as erosion controls), and coordinating with the Site owner, users of the property, and State and Local government entities.  The OSC informed adjacent residents of the general nature of the pending response action and then re-initiated response activities on October 19, 2010.

The crew continued to consolidate and collect sand blasting material across the Site.  Sands with significant staining and/or odor were stockpiled in a separate pile and covered with tarps.

Two loads of railroad ties and one load of construction debris were shipped for proper disposal.  

Four loads of scrap metal were shipped to Camden Metal Works for recycling.

Numerous loads of stone, clay, and general fill were brought to the site.  These materials were used to regrade the site, build a road, and for general erosion management.

Winds dried out the Site during the week.  The crew used a water truck to minimize the dust.  This effort will continue as needed throughout the response to minimize the potential for offsite migration.  

Vendors bidding on the disposal contract were on Site on Thursday December 9th.  They collected samples for treatment of waste possibilities.  Several test pits  were dug to allow for representative samples to be collected.  

The southern end of the Site which was previously cleared of sand has been backfilled with fill material in preparation for the truck access road construction. The fill material was compacted with a vibrating roller machine.

A small drum was unearthed during Site work (excavation and grading).  The drum was partially crushed and leaked a small amount of sticky residue, similar to a glue.  Air monitoring readings did not indicate and volatile organic compounds.  The drum was overpacked and will be disposed of properly.

On Friday, December 10th, Springfield Township officials visited the Site to discuss discharge options for any shallow water that may be encountered during the lagoon excavations. This was part of the ongoing dialogue with the Philadelphia Water Department for obtaining a discharge permit.

The crew worked on Saturday December 13th to finish the sediment trap construction in advance of the rain that is expected on Sunday.

Continue Site grading and road construction.

Prepare for disposal.

Prepare for shallow groundwater management including disposal and/or discharge into the POTW

Prepare Site for Holiday demobilization.