Polution Situation Report

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Rock-Tenn - Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region V

Subject:

POLREP #2
Rock-Tenn
C5A2
Otsego, MI
Latitude: 42.4647444 Longitude: -85.7043547

To:

From:

Brian Kelly, OSC

Date:

2/28/2012

Reporting Period:

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:	C5A2	Contract Number:
D.O. Number:		Action Memo Date:
Response Authority:	CERCLA	Response Type:	Time-Critical
Response Lead:	EPA	Incident Category:	Removal Action
NPL Status:	Non NPL	Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:	1/24/2012	Start Date:	1/24/2012
Demob Date:		Completion Date:
CERCLIS ID:		RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:	YES
FPN#:		Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category

CERCLA Time-Critical Removal. PRP Voluntary Action.

1.1.2 Site Description

The site is comprised of a former paper mill in which representatives of Allegan County found abandoned drums, totes, and containers.

MacSimBar Paper Company began papermaking at the site in 1906. Paper and related products were produced at the site for 98 years during which time the facility was operated under several different names. In 2004, the Rock-Tenn mill closed. Cogswell Property LLC, of Redford Township, bought the mill site in 2006. The property entered foreclosure in 2011 after Cogswell failed to pay property taxes. Currently, Allegan County owns the property.

1.1.2.1 Location

431 Helen Ave, Otsego, Allegan County, Michigan 49078

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

On November 16 and 17, 2011, and December 14, 2011, EPA conducted a site assessment that found drums and totes of corrosive hazardous waste. Sampling for polychlorinated biphenyls found only trace levels. (see the Site Assessment Report for more details).

An inventory by Rock-Tenn documented:

50 1-Gallon Paint Cans
875 1-Gallon Roofing Patch w/asbestos
160 1-Gallon Flammable Paint
800 1-Pt Cans
3 30-Gallon Acid Drums
103 5-Gallon Pails
216 55-Gallon Drums
7 Batteries - Car Type
4 Empty Totes
6 Fire Extinguishers
18 Full Totes
20 Hydrated Lime Pallets
9 MT 55-Gallon Drums
4 Propane Tanks 100 lb
62 Propane Hilo Tanks
30 Qt - Pints
2 Refrigeration Units
64 Spray Bombs - Most MT
1 Transformers

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative

The Project Objectives include
1) Assure that all activities completed at the project site will be in compliance with State, Federal and local applicable rules and regulations;
2) Assure the safety of on-site personnel;
3) Assure the safety of the community;
4) Assure security of the project site during removal activities; and
5) Assure efficient and accurate characterization, consolidation and off-site disposal of all totes, drums, small containers and other identified chemical hazards at the project site.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

As of February 28, 277 drums, 21 totes, 515 bags of lime, 1807 paint cans, and 576 misc containers have been found and transferred to the containment area in buildings 41 and 42. These buildings are separate from the main complex, located at the edge of the west parking lot. No further entry into the main complex is planned. Samples have been collected from the drums and totes, and further work is pending the laboratory results.

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

Rock-Tenn Company is performing a voluntary removal action.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

*Waste Stream*	*Medium*	*Quantity*	*Manifest #*	*Treatment*	*Disposal*
Regulated Medical Waste (Urine Samples)	Liquid	30 lbs	004045511		Disposal

2.2 Planning Section

Sample results are expected today. With consolidation and shipping of waste to occur during the next two weeks. The cleanup should be completed by mid March.

2.3 Logistics Section