U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Diamond Aerosol - Removal Polrep
Initial Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region II
Subject: POLREP #1
Initial - RV1
Diamond Aerosol

Glen Gardner, NJ
Latitude: 40.7446025 Longitude: -74.8865295

To:
From: Kelli Lucarino, On-Scene Coordinator
Date: 8/10/2011
Reporting Period: 8/8/2011 - 8/15/2011

1. Introduction
  1.1 Background
   
Site Number: O2QP    Contract Number: EP-S2-10-01
D.O. Number: 036    Action Memo Date:  
Response Authority: CERCLA    Response Type: Emergency
Response Lead: EPA    Incident Category: Removal Action
NPL Status: Non NPL    Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date: 8/8/2011    Start Date: 8/8/2011
Demob Date:      Completion Date:  
CERCLIS ID: NJD049644438    RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:    State Notification:
FPN#:    Reimbursable Account #:


1.1.1 Incident Category

This is an emergency removal action.

1.1.2 Site Description

The Site is located in a rural area on approximately 40 acres of mostly undeveloped land, consisting of native vegetation, trees, and underbrush.  It is crossed by one natural stream and has a high water table.  The land adjoining the Site has been developed with single family residences and approximately 526 people live within a one mile radius of the Site.  The Site consists of the following buildings: an old stone barn which housed the original cosmetics business, a large stone house which is the residence of the owner of the Site, two warehouses, and various other out-buildings used for storage, offices, and vehicles.
 

The Site has served several different operations in the past.  Most recently the Site was operated as a research and development (“R&D”) facility for internal coatings of aerosol cans.  The Site previously was operated by the former Electro Organic Corporation and Diamond Aerosol, both predecessor companies to Diamond East Corporation, which manufactured cosmetics and personal protection devices containing tear gas, pepper spray, and other chemical specialty products for approximately 30 years.

1.1.2.1 Location

The Site is located at 62 Anthony Road, Glen Gardner, Hunterdon County, New Jersey.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

The mechanisms for releases to the environment were from releases which occurred from abandonment and improper storage of these materials by the PRP.  Sources of ignition through vandalism create a serious threat of release at the Site.  Trespassers entering the building may also come in direct contact with hazardous substances.  Trespassers have been found by the police on the property, which prompted the notification of the NJDEP.

The ether compounds are both toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.  In case of a fire, they also produce toxic byproducts of combustion (hydrochloric acid and phosgene).  Chloroform is highly toxic and may be fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin.  Acetone is highly flammable and incompatible with chloroform and sulfuric acid.  The incompatible nature of these materials also poses a possible threat from a chemical reaction or release to the environment.

A continued exposure of the drums and containers to excessive moisture and temperature extremes may cause the drums and containers to further corrode, bulge, and/or leak.  Contaminants can migrate into the environment through air entrainment of particles through cracks and openings in the building’s roof or walls.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

On July 21, 2011, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) verbally requested EPA’s assistance to evaluate the Site for a CERCLA removal action.  Prior to the verbal request, the NJDEP issued the PRP a directive indicating a 14 day time frame to address the threats on site.  The PRP indicated he was not able to meet the directive due to health and financial constraints.  On July 26, 2011, EPA conducted a site visit as part of a removal assessment.  An entry was made into the buildings to assess the conditions.  Upon entry, EPA identified more than 600 lab pack containers, more than 50 five gallon containers, and approximately 15 55-gallon drums of hazardous and potentially hazardous substances that were leaking, improperly segregated and in poor condition.  Many of the containers were identified by their labels and pose a serious threat of fire.  The buildings housing the potentially hazardous substances were observed to be in poor, deteriorating condition.  Several signs of vandalism including, cut locks and broken windows were also observed.  EPA determined that an immediate response action was necessary to prevent further releases of hazardous substances and to protect public health

2. Current Activities
  2.1 Operations Section
    2.1.1 Narrative

The scope of work for this removal action includes gathering, characterizing, securing, stabalizing, staging and disposal of hazardous materials.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

ERRS contractors mobilized to site between 8/8/2011 and 8/10/2011. 

8/8/2011 - OSC met with ERRS to conduct site visit and assess needs for mobilization.

8/9/2011 - ERRS contractors secured all doors and entry ways to site with padlocks.

8/10/2011 - ERRS contractors began gathering and staging containers dispersed throughout buildings.

8/11/2011 - ERRS continued to gather and stage containers and began inventory of all containers.

8/12/2011 - ERRS continued to gather and stage containers and continued inventory of containers.

8/15/2011  - ERRS continued to gather, stage and inventory containers and secure in ConEx boxes.

2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)

The PRP has been identified as the owner of Diamond Aerosol.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

Waste Stream Medium Quantity Manifest # Treatment Disposal
           
           
           



  2.2 Planning Section
    2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

ERRS will continue to gather, stage, secure, and characterize materials for disposal.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

No outstanding issues.
  2.3 Logistics Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.4 Finance Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.5 Other Command Staff
    2.5.1 Safety Officer
No safety issues to report.  ERRS has a Health and Safety Plan on-site.

2.6 Liaison Officer
The Liason Officer position was not activated for this removal action.

2.7 Information Officer

2.7.1 Public Information Officer

The PIO position was not activated for this removal action.

2.7.2 Community Involvement Coordinator

The CIC position was not activated for this removal action.
3. Participating Entities
  3.1 Unified Command
The Unified Command was not activated for this removal action.

3.2 Cooperating Agencies
NJDEP referred the site to EPA in July, 2011.

4. Personnel On Site
  ERRS - 5
EPA - 1

5. Definition of Terms
  No information available at this time.
6. Additional sources of information
  6.1 Internet location of additional information/report
www.epaosc.org/diamondaerosolrv1

6.2 Reporting Schedule
Polreps will be sent on a weekly basis.

7. Situational Reference Materials
  No information available at this time.