U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
R.N.Hitchcock Electroplating Facility - Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region II
Subject: POLREP #22
Progress/Demobilization For Hurricane Sandy
R.N.Hitchcock Electroplating Facility
XG
Port Byron, NY
Latitude: 43.0383000 Longitude: -76.6286000

To:
From: Michael Hoppe OSC
Date: 11/16/2012
Reporting Period: 10/25-11/16/2012

1. Introduction
  1.1 Background
   
Site Number: XG    Contract Number: EP-S2-10-03
D.O. Number: 0037    Action Memo Date: 7/15/2011
Response Authority: CERCLA    Response Type: Time-Critical
Response Lead: EPA    Incident Category: Removal Action
NPL Status: Non NPL    Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date: 8/22/2011    Start Date: 8/22/2011
Demob Date:      Completion Date:  
CERCLIS ID: NYN000205895    RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:    State Notification:
FPN#:    Reimbursable Account #:


1.1.1 Incident Category

Removal Action

1.1.2 Site Description

See POLREP/SITREPSs 1 through 21 for more complete Site description.

The former R.N. Hitchcock Electroplating Facility (Site) is located at 58 Green Street in Port Byron, New York.  The Site conducted electroplating and metal-finishing activities at the facility from 1946 until 2003.  
 

1.1.2.1 Location

The Site is located in a residential neighborhood at 58 Green Street in the Village of Port Byron, Cayuga County, New York 13140.  The former metals plating and finishing facility is currently separated from the owner’s personal home by a paved driveway. 

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. 


1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

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.

Recent catastrophic failure of the mill foundation and potential for additional contamination removal under the mill footprint lead to additional removal activities during the Fall 2012.

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.

 
2. Current Activities
  2.1 Operations Section
    2.1.1 Narrative

After removal activities in May 2012 were completed, it was discovered that the historic mill had developed potentially catastrophic structural damage. During the week of May 21, 2012, EPA and contractors discovered a significant drop in the Southwest floor of the mill. Upon inspection, the pier and beam support structure below failed at multiple points. The failure included breakage of beams and separation from the exterior concrete foundation. Dry rot and smaller historical breaks were discovered by creating access holes in the sub-floor.  Additionally, the second floor supports in the Southwest corner have separated from the main south wall beam. The floor is constructed of notched lumber hung on a notched section of the main south support. There are no pins, nails or similar holding these together. As a result, the first floor failure and subsequent shifting of the second floor likely happened concurrently.  

The decision to raze the mill was made after consultation with engineers, NYSHPO, preservation contractors and EPA personnel.  The razing of the mill is currently allowing for final removal of contaminated sections of the foundation walls and for the removal of any further contamination remaining in the building footprint.

The activities at the mill commenced during the week of October 8, 2012 and continued until October 27, 2012.  The site was secured with due to the threat of impact from Hurricane Sandy.  Remobilization to the Site is anticipated to occur in 2012, weather permitting.


2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

Refer to POLREP/SITREPSs 1 through 21 for operations prior to this reporting period. 

Most Recent Activities:
During the week of October 8, 2012 the mill was further documented using archival standards established by the National Park Service for submission with National Register of Historic Places nominations.  High definition, large format photography was utilized for this process. Additionally, an oral history of the mill was documented and recorded through conversations with the owner of the mill, Mr. Wilt.

ERRS contractors commenced and completed the razing of the mill and collected historical components such as pulley wheels, gears and turbines.  The turbine are currently being staged for the local museum/historical society.  Decontamination of the turbines must be completed prior to distribution.

On October 25, 2012, 300 cubic yards of non-hazardous construction and demolition debris,were removed from the Site and sent for disposal.

On October 26, 2012, disposal of 40 tons of contaminated concrete/foundation material was sent for disposal.

Through October 27, 2012, approximately 60-80 tons of contaminated soil was recovered from the east side of the building footprint.  Elevated levels of cadmium, chromium and nickel were detected using the XRF as a screening tool.  Confirmatory samples were collected by RST personnel and results are still pending.  The excavated area was approximately 10-12 feet below grade. The general line of contamination was at the deeper levels and concentrated along concrete sections and railroad ties that were used to control the flow of the Outlet for the historical turbines/milling.  The soil was removed to a point were natural cobble was encountered and groundwater intrusion became an issue. The contaminated soil and materials recovered have been staged on-site and covered, pending disposal.  The central to east portions of the building footprint have been backfilled to within 2-3' of natural grade.

Contaminated concrete and non-hazardous concrete remain on-site pending disposal as well.  There is approximately 20 tons of hazardous and 20 tons of non-hazardous concrete materials remaining.

An underground storage tank was removed from the north side of the building footprint.  This tank was an abandoned gasoline tank.  Samples were collected from the soils surrounding the tank and results are pending. XRF and VOC screening indicated no elevated readings in the area.

Further excavation (if necessary) and final backfill operations are pending and will be addressed when crews remobilize to the Site at a date yet to be determined, weather permitting.

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

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

Waste Stream Medium Quantity Manifest # Treatment Disposal
Hazardous Soil (Cd, Cr)  Soil ~2200 Tons 007675406, 007675407, 007675408,007675409,007675410, 007675411, 007675412, 007675413, 007675414, 007675415, 007675416, 007675417, 007675418, 007675419, 007675420 007675421, 007675422, 007675423, 007675424, 007675425, 007675426, 007675427, 007675428, 007675429, 007675430, 007675431, 007675432, 007675433, 007675434, 007675435, 007675436, 007675437, 007675438, 007675439, 007675440, 009321501, 009321502, 009321503, 009321504, 009321505, 009321506, 009321507, 009321508, 009321509, 009321510, 009321511, 009321512, 009321513, 009321514, 009321515, 009321516, 009321517, 009321518, 009321519, 009321520, 009321521, 009321522, 009321523, 009321524, 009321525, 009321526, 009321527, 009321528, 009321543, 009321530, 009321531, 009321532, 009321533, 009321534, 009321544, 009321545, 009321546, 009321547, 009321548, 009321549, 009321550, 009321554, 009321555, 009321556, 009321557, 009321558, 009321559,009321560, 009321561, 009321563, 009321773, 009321539, 009321538, 009321537, 009321536, 009321535, 009321762, 009321540, 009321541, 009321542, 009321765, 009321766, 009321767, 009321768, 009321769    
 Hazardous Soil (TCE, Cd) Soil 22 Tons 009321935  Chemical/Thermal  
Hazardous Concrete/C&D  Debris  ~272 Tons 007675325, 007675326, 007675327, 007675328, 007675329, 007675330, 007675331, 007675332, 00767533, 00767534,
009321774(30-yd roll off), 008776891, 008776892, 008776893		    
Asbestos (ACM)  Debris      <71 cubic yards  (40yd) 001352417
(30yd) 002818306; (1 yd) 10/24/12-001-ACM		  Wrapped  
 Non-Haz       Debris     780 cubic yards      
Recycled Metals Metals  20 cubic yard      
 Drum Fuel Oil Waste 165 gallons      
 Drums (2) Hazardous Material <400 pounds Caustic/
<85 Gallons Chlorinated Waste 		  003548457  Overpacked  
Electronics Waste Electronics 1 cubic yard  Load #: 100285548    



  2.2 Planning Section
   

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

Further removal and disposal of construction/demolition debris, contaminated building materials and underlying soils will be performed.

Backfill excavation areas.

Assist with relocation of historical artifacts.

Topsoil and seed in Spring 2013.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

EPA will continue generating and disseminating fact sheets to inform the public in the Town of Mentz and Village of Port Byron.  The documentation and removal activities will continue at the Site, once crews can be remobilized.  The documentation will be sent to the New York State Archive and Cayuga County Historian's Office (as well as local historical repositories, as requested).

2.2.2 Issues

Hurricane Sandy and potential impacts required a demobilization of the Site on October 27, 2012. The Site was secured and materials were staged for T&D activities.  Areas that could be, were backfilled in efforts to keep water from accumulating in the excavated areas.  Crews have been reassigned to Hurricane Sandy related recovery efforts and are currently unavailable for remobilization to the Site.

Continuation of removal and disposal activities have been delayed and will commence when an available crew can return to complete final activities. 


  2.3 Logistics Section
    Working with Village/Town and historian to assist in relocation of historical mill components.
  2.4 Finance Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.5 Other Command Staff
    2.5.1 Safety Officer

Demolition specific HASP prepared by RST and reviewed.

2.5.2 Liaison Officer

2.5.3 Information Officer

Article in the local newspaper:
http://auburnpub.com/columnists/mike_riley/port-byron-says-goodbye-to-wilt-s-mill/article_fbde0a6e-0672-5c81-89dc-8949644b7a2a.html#.UIcp0xZ-9gA.email
3. Participating Entities
  3.1 Unified Command
 N/A

3.2 Cooperating Agencies

NYSHPO.
4. Personnel On Site
  NONE.
5. Definition of Terms
  No information available at this time.
6. Additional sources of information
  6.1 Internet location of additional information/report


6.2 Reporting Schedule

Weekly or as critical site decisions are made.
7. Situational Reference Materials
  No information available at this time.