U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Blue Island Cumene Release - Removal Polrep
Initial Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region V
Subject: POLREP #1
Blue Island Cumene Release
Blue Island, IL
Latitude: 41.6550561 Longitude: -87.7030190

To: Valencia Darby, Department of Interior
Sam Borries, U.S. EPA
Yolanda Bouchee-Cureton, U.S. EPA
Mindy Clements, U.S. EPA
Mark Durno, U.S. EPA
Jason El-Zein, U.S. EPA
Sherry Fielding, U.S. EPA
Charlie Gebien, U.S. EPA
John Glover, U.S. EPA
Thomas Marks, U.S. EPA
Mike Ribordy, U.S. EPA
Jim Clark, Illinois EPA
David Turner, MWRD
Carol Ropski, U.S. EPA
From: Paul Atkociunas, OSC
Date: 1/25/2013
Reporting Period: January 24 to

1. Introduction
  1.1 Background
   
Site Number:      Contract Number:  
D.O. Number:      Action Memo Date:  
Response Authority: CERCLA    Response Type: Emergency
Response Lead: PRP    Incident Category:
NPL Status:    Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:      Start Date:  
Demob Date:      Completion Date:  
CERCLIS ID:    RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:    State Notification:
FPN#:    Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category
CERCLA Emergency


1.1.2 Site Description

The incident occured at the Blue Island Phenol, LLC facility.  The facility manufactures phenol.  The  facility receives benzene via rail car and process the material into phenol.  Cumene and Cumene Hydroperoxide are intermediates of the production process.  Per facility personnel, the spill volume of Cumene (75%) / Cumene Hydroperoxide (25%) 
was estimated at 300 gallons (2257 pounds).

1.1.2.1 Location

The location of the incident was at the Blue Island Phenol, LLC facility located at 3350 W. 131st Street, Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois.  The Site is located in a industrial / manufacturing area with the nearest residence approximately 1500 feet to the south.   

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

Cumene is flammable in presence of open flames and sparks. Cumene is very hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant, permeator), of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation.  Cumene hydroperoxide is combustible, toxic by inhalation, ingestion and skin absorption.   

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

OSC Atkociunas and Environmental Specialist David Turner with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) conducted oversight on January 24, 2013. MWRD indicated that their agency has not documented a release of the material from the facility's outfall. The facility secured the release, neutralized the waste and was collecting / containerizing impacted gravel. Product was not observed within the trenches, sumps, or separators within the facility. OSC Atkociunas walked the perimeter of the facility and did not observe any releases.

2. Current Activities
  2.1 Operations Section
    No information available at this time.
  2.2 Planning Section
    No information available at this time.
  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
    No information available at this time.
3. Participating Entities
  No information available at this time.
4. Personnel On Site
  No information available at this time.
5. Definition of Terms
  No information available at this time.
6. Additional sources of information
  No information available at this time.
7. Situational Reference Materials
  No information available at this time.
POLREP #1 Last Updated 3/28/2013