Polution Situation Report

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Duke Energy Lincolnton Transformer Release - Removal Polrep
Initial and Final Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV

Subject:

POLREP #1
Initial / Final
Duke Energy Lincolnton Transformer Release
B45G
Lincolnton, NC
Latitude: 35.4604810 Longitude: -81.2582630

To:

From:

Jordan Garrard, On-Scene Coordinator

Date:

1/3/2015

Reporting Period:

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Site Number:	B45G	Contract Number:
D.O. Number:		Action Memo Date:
Response Authority:	CERCLA	Response Type:	Emergency
Response Lead:	PRP	Incident Category:	Removal Assessment
NPL Status:	Non NPL	Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:	12/29/2014	Start Date:	12/29/2014
Demob Date:	12/30/2014	Completion Date:	12/30/2014
CERCLIS ID:		RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:		State Notification:
FPN#:		Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category
Emergency

1.1.2 Site Description
Electrical Substation adjacent to a business park

1.1.2.1 Location
311 Motz Avenue
Lincolnton, North Carolina

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat
Three (3) 900 gallon electrical transformers were drained of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) oil onto the ground. A total of 2,700 gallons of PCB containing oil was released to the environment. The release threathened to impact the Catawba River located less than 0.25 miles to the west of the release point.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results
A total of 2,700 gallons of PCB containing oil was released to the environment. The release threathened to impact the Catawba River located less than 0.25 miles to the west of the release point.

2. Current Activities

2.1 Operations Section

2.1.1 Narrative
On the afternoon of December 28, 2014, vandals entered the Duke Energy electrical substation on Motz Avenue in Lincolnton, North Carolina. The vandals removed the drain valves from three (3) 900 gallon transformers in an attempt to steal copper from within the transformers. A employee at the adjacent business park observed the vandals and called the local police department. The vandals left the substation before the local police department arrived on-scene and were not apprehended. Based on Duke Energy inventory records the transformers contained PCB concentrations ranging from 200-230 ppm. Samples were collected to confirm the presence of PCBs. The Catawba River is located with less than 0.25 miles from the electrical substation. Based on the amount of oil released and the theat to the Catawba River, OSC Garrard was deployed to investigate any impacts to the Catawba River and ensure response activities.

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
Duke Energy's OSRO Haz Mat Environmental Services responded to the spill along with Duke Energy personnel. The pooled oil was removed utilizing a vacuum truck. The remaining oil in the transformers was also removed by the vacuum truck. The secondary containment at the substation contained a liner and sumps were made in the gravel to collect discharged oil. Multiple absorbent booms were placed in the drainage ditch which leads to the Catawba River. No visible oil or sheen was observed in the drainage ditch or the outfall at the Catawba River. Soil samples were collected to determine the vertical and lateral extend of soil contamination.

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

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

*Waste Stream*	*Medium*	*Quantity*	*Manifest #*	*Treatment*	*Disposal*

2.2 Planning Section

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
On December 31, 2014, Duke Energy plans to remove and decontaminate the transformers. Excavation of impacted soils will be completed after the removal of the electrical infrastructure is completed.

2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

2.2.2 Issues

2.3 Logistics Section