The Site is bounded to the north, west and east by private residences, to the south and east (250 feet) by the Port Byron public school grounds, Port Byron/Town of Mentz Library and administrative buildings, and immediately adjacent to the Owasco Lake Outlet to the east (15 feet).  To the southeast is the Village of Port Byron. The New York State Throughway is less than 250 yards to the north.  The Port Byron Middle School and the AA Gates Elementary School are located less than one half mile to the east of the Site. 

Between October 2006 and February 2007, EPA conducted a removal of plating materials from the facility including vats and drums containing corrosive plating solutions, acids, cyanides, and heavy metals including cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc.

In September, 2010, EPA conducted a comprehensive site assessment at the Site to assess the remaining potential contamination at the Site.  This assessment focused on the building materials and the soil, groundwater and sediment in the vicinity of the building.

Sampling revealed the presence of elevated levels of trichloroethylene (TCE) and its degrading byproducts in groundwater near the facility. This chemical was typically used for metal degreasing.   The results also indicated the building materials are contaminated with heavy metals including chromium, hexavalent chromium, and cadmium.  These metals were used in the electroplating process.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

The EPA conducted site assessment activities between September 20 and September 24, 2010. Site activities included soil/dust/sweep sampling, surface and subsurface soil sampling (soil borings), sub-slab soil sampling, groundwater sampling, concrete core sampling, sediment sampling, asbestos sampling, wipe and wood core sampling.

Results from all media show total chromium and cadmium detected, with maximum concentrations occurring within the building and elevated levels outside of the building.  Migration of these contaminants was traced to surface and sub-surface soils, groundwater and sediment samples within the Owasco Lake Outlet. 

Samples of the concrete in the process area on the first floor (floors and walls) revealed elevated levels of hexavalent chromium, chromium, cadmium and lead.  Three of these samples failed Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure test (TCLP) for chromium and six failed for cadmium, displaying the characteristic of  Toxicity as defined in 40 CFR, Subpart C, Š261.24 of RCRA.  Soil sweep/dust throughout the building is contaminated with chromium, cadmium and lead.  Exterior structure sampling revealed the presence of metals, including hexavalent chromium and total chromium in wall concrete.

Samples at the Site revealed the presence of metals in soils immediately adjacent to the plating section of the building. These metals included hexavalent chromium, total chromium, total cadmium and lead.  Additionally, sediment samples in the Owasco Lake Outlet revealed detected levels of chromium, cadmium and lead.

Metals were also detected in groundwater samples collected between the plating section of the building and the outlet, including chromium and cadmium.

Samples collected between the plating section of the building and the outlet, as well as those collected from under the building show elevated levels for chlorinated solvents including cis-1,2 DCE, trans-1,2 dichloroethene (trans-1,2 DCE), 1,1 dichloroethene (DCE), vinyl chloride, TCE, and tetrachloroethene (PCE).  Groundwater samples collected revealed the presence of cis-1,2 DCE, TCE, vinyl chloride, trans-1,2 DCE and 1,1 DCE at elevated levels.  Soil samples collected below the concrete structure, in exterior surface soils and in soil borings also detected TCE.  Water collected from the settling tank and sump that feeds the tank inside the building revealed cis-1,2 DCE, TCE and vinyl chloride.

EPA is currently conducting a removal action to address the building materials contaminated with heavy metals.  This action will include the removal of contaminated materials, including a partial building demolition, and further assessment and removal of contamination within the soils at the Site.  Site operations commenced on August 22, 2011 and removal activities are expected to continue through December 2011.  A stream survey and final grading/finishing operations will be conducted in the spring of 2012.

November 24 through December 8, 2011:

The site was closed from November 24-27, 2011 for the Thanksgiving holiday.  

Excavation at depths from 3-6 feet to the south and east of the icehouse has been conducted.  This area was not originally on in the area of concern, however contamination was found, tracked and removed.  The XRF was used to determine the extent of contamination for chromium and cadmium, with confirmation sampling being conducted by RST. Final excavation of the area was completed December 2, 2011.  No additional excavation activities are anticipated. Soils have been staged on-Site, and TCLP results for the soils show elevated cadmium levels (above 1.0 ug/L).  Eighty-six (86) loads, approximately 22 tons each, totaling 1848 tons were removed from Site and sent to Envirosafe Services of Ohio, Inc.  As many as 12 loads of metals contaminated soil remains on-Site and load out is ongoing.

Soil excavation of the VOC/chlorinated solvent contamination area was completed on November 16, 2011. Soil was thermally treated in-situ to increase the volatilization rate and vapors were captured using carbon air scrubbers. TCLP samples were collected and the soil is currently staged on-Site awaiting disposal.  TCLP results indicate that the soil failed for Cadmium and TCE. Disposal is pending bid award.  Disposal is anticipated during the week of December 12, 2011.

Areas within the “garage” section of the building and supporting concrete and wood foundation below were addressed due to chromium and cadmium contamination. XRF readings indicated 30K+ppm of chromium, 25K+ppm of cadmium and traces of Lead in building materials. Sections of the wooden structure were removed; concrete was chipped and encapsulated.  Contaminated building materials are being stage in a 30-yard hazardous waste roll-off pending disposal, expected during the week of December 12, 2011.

Additionally, drums of unknown solid material and miscellaneous lab pack chemicals were located within the “garage” section, sampled and over-packed.  RST performed hazard categorization and found chlorinated oil (non-PCB) and caustic material (pH-11).  Disposal is expected during the week of December 12, 2011.

Repair of the south facing wall of the mill and turning wheel section continue.  RST is expected to complete confirmatory soil sampling in excavated areas by December 9, 2011.  Site activities are expected to be completed on December 16, 2011, although final demobilization date is contingent on the availability of trucks for load out of contaminated soils. 

This removal action will continue to address the off-site disposal of contaminated soils. Further soil sampling will be conducted by RST personnel, as needed.  Backfilling of the site will continue, as necessary.  Building repairs will continue, as needed.  

T&D of excavated soils will be on-going. 

"Garage" area contamination will be sent for T&D, as will any remaining wastes collected from within this area.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

Construction and demolition wastes will continue to be separated based on sampling results, and sent for disposal. 

Dispose of VOC plus Cadmium contaminated soils once bid is awarded.

EPA will attend public meetings at the Town of Mentz and Village of Port Byron to discuss progress at the Site.

Demobilize site equipment, trailer, CONEX boxes, roll-off boxes during the week of December 12, pending final disposal and depending on availability of trucks for load out.

Plan for vapor intrusion sampling in February 2012.


2.2.2 Issues

Soil T&D has been slowed due to the availability of trucking.  The delay has extended this phase of the Site until mid-December, 2011.

Delay in the T&D for TCE/Cadmium soil is anticipated due to issues with the TCLP, total VOC analysis and availability of facilities willing to handle the waste.

Building repair on the south facing wall continues and progress has been slow due to inclement weather.