Polution Situation Report

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Sparton Electronics Site - Removal Polrep
Initial and Final Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region V

Subject:

POLREP #1
Initial and Final
Sparton Electronics Site
C535
Jackson, MI
Latitude: 42.2556940 Longitude: -84.3738100

To:

Jim Augustyn, U.S. EPA
Charlie Gebien, U.S. EPA
Verneta Simon, U.S. EPA

From:

Paul Atkociunas and Jim Augustyn, OSC

Date:

11/23/2011

Reporting Period:

April 8, 2011 to November 23, 2011

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:	C535	Contract Number:
D.O. Number:		Action Memo Date:
Response Authority:	CERCLA	Response Type:	Emergency
Response Lead:	EPA	Incident Category:
NPL Status:		Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:	4/11/2011	Start Date:	4/11/2011
Demob Date:	4/15/2011	Completion Date:	7/20/2011
CERCLIS ID:		RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:
FPN#:		Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category

Emergency.

1.1.2 Site Description

The facility began operations in 1900, and initially manufactured garden hoes and pitchforks. The facility began to manufacture electronics in 1911. Electronic equipment manufactured at the Site included automotive horns, electric radios, television receivers, sonobouys (devices used to detect submarines) and printed circuit boards. The Sparton Electronics Corporation ceased operations at the facility and sold its Jackson, Michigan property in June 2010 to William Springer. Sparton Electronics maintains facilities in Florida and Vietnam. Mr. Springer purchased the property with the intention to salvage the buildings and appurtenances.

According to Blackman Township representatives, Sparton Electronics removed manufacturing chemicals and wastes from the facility prior to the property transfer. However, asbestos containing materials (ACM) were present on Site following the transfer. An asbestos survey conducted in February 2008 on behalf of Sparton Electronics by CompliChek, a consulting company, documented several pipe wraps and floor muds having asbestos greater than 1 percent (%) ACM.

On December 9, 2010, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) conducted an inspection of salvage operations at the Site. MIOSHA documented the presence of asbestos containing materials (ACM), and that employees did not use proper work practices, personal protective equipment (PPE) or respiratory protection for potential ACM when conducting salvage operations. During a December 2010 sampling event by MIOSHA, up to 15% asbestos containing material (ACM) in insulation was found at the Site.

On March 26, 2011, a structural fire leveled the manufacturing portion of the Site and damaged the three story office complex. At the time of the fire, the perimeter of the site was not secured. On April 6, 2011, MDEQ requested the assistance of EPA’s Superfund Division to secure and evaluate the Site.

1.1.2.1 Location

The Sparton Electronics Site is located at 2400 East Ganson Street in Jackson, Michigan and is surrounded by Ganson Street to the south, an industrial building to the west, Leroy Street to the north, and residences to the east. The geographical coordinates for the building are 42°15’22.0” degrees north latitude and -84°22’26.5 degrees west longitude

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

An asbestos survey conducted in February 2008 on behalf of Sparton Electronics by Complicheck, a consulting company, documented several pipe wraps and floor muds having asbestos greater than 1% and recommended several measures to abate this asbestos. During a December 2009 sampling event conducted by the MIOSHA, up to 15% ACM in insulation was found at the Site.

A threat of release of hazardous substances was present at the Site due to the presence of friable ACM. The Site had no fencing, signs or other deterrent to preclude or warn the public of the potential hazards at the Site. It was possible for trespassers, which includes scrappers, hunters, ATV operators, and children to be exposed to the ACM.

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative

On April 11, 2011, EPA mobilized Emergency and Rapid Response Services (ERRS) to initiate an Emergency Response Removal Action at the Site. ERRS contracted a subcontractor who installed a six foot chain link fence around unsecured portions of the Site. ERRS attached asbestos warning signs to the perimeter fencing, secured the gate and monitored the condition of the fence.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

On June 2 and 3, 2011, EPA and Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START) conducted a site assessment. START documented conditions and collected seventeen samples for asbestos analysis. Three samples were positive for ACM. The sample locations were taken from within the standing office building.

The building owner hired a contractor with a State of Michigan Asbestos Contractor / Supervisor License. On July 20, 2011, EPA chaired a conference call between MDEQ, MIOSHA, and Blackman Township personnel to coordinate transition of the Site. Blackman Township will conduct oversight of the salvage of the facility. No further EPA activities are anticipated.

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

The owner of the property has been identified.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

The installation of the fence did not generate a waste stream.

*Waste Stream*	*Medium*	*Quantity*	*Manifest #*	*Treatment*	*Disposal*

2.2 Planning Section

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

Provide technical assistance to state / local officials, as needed.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

None.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

None.

2.2.2 Issues

None.

2.3 Logistics Section