CERCLA Emergency Response - Removal Site Evaluation

1.1.2 Site Description

On October 8, 2014, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) conducted an interview with the tenant of an apartment in Boise, ID that is suspected of buying and/or selling radioactive material on Ebay. Upon arrival at the residence, NRC observed suspected radioactive and hazardous substances. As a result, a hazardous materials response team was mobilized to assess conditions in the apartment.

Later that day the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) conducted an inspection of the apartment. IDEQ documented numerous locations and/or containers with powders, residues, and/or liquids throughout the apartment, some in unlabeled and/or open containers. IDEQ also documented equipment that could be used for chemical processing (glassware, mixing containers, etc.) as well as evidence of chemical processing (residues).

Concurrent with IDEQ, NRC conducted an inspection at the apartment. This inspection documented that the tenant had in his possession a variety of radioactive materials that included suspected uranium, uranium salts, and equipment associated with handling radioactive materials. Radiation levels in the apartment were reported to range from 0.5 mR to 1.5 mR.

As a result of these inspections, the State of Idaho requested EPA to respond to determine if there is a threat to human health or the environment.

1.1.2.1 Location
Renaissance Apartments

6342 North Park Meadow Way

See PolRep #1 for site activities through 10/11/14. See Polrep #2 for activities covering 10/12/14 through 10/13/14.   

10/14/14
EPA, IDEQ, ERRS, & START conducted the following activities:

Continued physical removal and monitoring of contaminated concrete outside of the apartment
The START contractor identified 10 locations on the concrete stairs and walkways that required additional scrabbling to remove contamination.   The ERRS contractor completed the additional removal at the 10 locations and START screened and collected a wipe sample of each area to confirm that cleanup was achieved.  With completion of these activities, all areas outside of the apartment were believed to be free of contamination; however, wipe sample confirmation was ongoing and expected to be completed 10/15/14 or 10/16/14.

Segregation of radioactive wastes from chemical wastes
A joint ERRS contractor and START contractor team entered the apartment to begin the process of segregating the radioactive wastes from the chemical wastes.  While in the apartment, START surveyed each room using a radiation detector and chemical sensors to determine which items in the apartment were sources of radiation, contaminated by radiation, or presented a potential chemical hazard.  After START identified the radioactive and hazardous materials, ERRs segregated the materials into two staging areas to prepare it to be taken out of the apartment.

Removal and inventory of radioactive and chemical wastes
After segregating the radioactive materials from the chemical wastes inside the apartment, the START and ERRs contractors began taking the wastes materials out of the apartment.   As each item was removed, START conducted a screening clearance process that involved closely checking each item for radiation and documenting items before them moving to a safe storage location.

Public and Media Outreach
The site community involvement coordinator continued engaging with apartment complex residents. There was less press interest than on 10/13/14; however, the OSC did one on-camera interview.

Tenant relocation and personal property
EPA continued to provide support to the tenants by providing them access to temporary housing.  

10/15/14

EPA, IDEQ, ERRS, & START conducted the following activities:

Wipe sample analysis and confirmation of the complete removal of contaminated concrete outside of the apartment
On-site wipe sample analysis was completed. The data underwent quality assurance to confirm that the decontamination and scrabbling on the Building 5 walkway, stairs, and landing was complete. Quality assurance expected to be completed by the morning of 10/16/14.

Mercury survey
During the removal of the chemical wastes, a small, sealed glass container with liquid mercury was discovered.  Though no visible mercury was observed released in the apartment, Boise FD was contacted to bring their mercury vapor analyzer (MVA) to test for potential mercury contamination in the apartment.  START contractor used Boise FD's MVA and entered the apartment to search for possible mercury vapors.  No mercury contamination was detected in any area in the apartment.

Public and Media Outreach
The site community involvement coordinator continued engaging with apartment complex residents.  A second fact sheet for residents and other interested parties was developed and made available.  Following distribution of the updated fact sheet, the site community involvement coordinator demobilized from the site, but will be available via telephone or email to further engage with residents.

Tenant relocation and personal property
EPA continued to provide support to the tenants by providing them access to temporary housing.

 10/16/14

EPA, IDEQ, ERRS, & START conducted the following activities:

Continued physical removal and monitoring of contaminated concrete outside of the apartment
The START contractor identified 3 locations on the concrete stairs and walkways that required additional work to remove contamination.   The ERRS contractor completed the removal and START collected wipe sample to confirm that cleanup was achieved.  The results of wipe sampling determined that the contamination was completed removed.  With completion of these activities, all areas outside of the apartment are determined to be free of contamination.

Hazard Categorization of the unknown chemicals and radiation wastes\
Having removed the wastes from the apartment, a mobile laboratory was set up to further characterize the radioactive and chemical wastes and determine the appropriate safe disposal methods.  Laboratory work is expected to take several days.

Radiological Emergency Response Team (RERT) Support
An EPA RERT specialist arrived at the site provide scientific support with additional radiation equipment.  RERT had previously been providing off-site support prior to the OSC and site workers. 

Screening and removal of household wastes from the apartment porch
A large volume of household waste and pet waste was discovered on the porch of the apartment.  The START and ERRS contractors moved the household wastes to a secure location and began screening each waste bag for potential radioactive and/or chemical wastes.

Arrival of the Tenant's Second Vehicle
The tenants provided a second vehicle to EPA that will be surveyed for radiation on 10/17/14.  

Public and Media Outreach
Both the EPA public information officer and site community involvement coordinator have demobilized from the site, but are available via telephone or email to further engage with residents, the media, or other interested parties. A second meeting for residents of the apartment complex is scheduled for 12:30 on 10/19/14 at the apartment complex community center.

Tenant relocation and personal property
EPA continued to provide support to the tenants by providing them access to temporary housing.

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

 (1) Sampling and Hazard/Disposal Categorization of chemicals.  (2) Removal and proper disposal of radioactive and chemical wastes from the apartment.  (3) Screening of apartment contents.  (4) Clearance of the apartment  for re-occupancy.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

October 14
EPA: 4

IDEQ: 1

START contractor: 4