U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
BioTech Mills OPA II - Removal Polrep

EPA Emergency Response

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region II
Subject: POLREP #2
BioTech Mills OPA II
Z2BM
Battenville, NY

To:
From: Paul L.Kahn, OSC
Date: 10/22/2015
Reporting Period:

1. Introduction
  1.1 Background
   
Site Number: Z2BM    Contract Number:  
D.O. Number:      Action Memo Date:  
Response Authority: OPA    Response Type: Emergency
Response Lead: EPA    Incident Category: Removal Assessment
NPL Status: Non NPL    Operable Unit:
Mobilization Date:      Start Date: 10/14/2015
Demob Date:      Completion Date:  
CERCLIS ID:    RCRIS ID:
ERNS No.:    State Notification:
FPN#: E-16201    Reimbursable Account #:

1.1.1 Incident Category

Threat assessment

1.1.2 Site Description

Partially filled, deteriorated, 10,000 gal capacity #6 oil tank in an abandoned paper converter (toilet paper) mill.

1.1.2.1 Location

The mill and oil tank are located on the north bank of the Battenkill River, a major fishing and recreational waterway that is a tributary of the Hudson River.

1.1.2.2 Description of Threat

The threat is the possibility that oil remaining in the deteriorated tank could be released into the Battenkill River.

1.1.3 Preliminary Removal Assessment/Removal Site Inspection Results

To be determined.

2. Current Activities
  2.1 Operations Section
   

2.1.1 Narrative

2.1.2 Response Actions to Date

Since 2002 there has been one CERCLA PRP oversight removal action, 3 CERCLA Fund-lead removal actions and on OPA removal action performed at this site.

On 10/20/2015 the OSC inspected the #6 oil tank and determined that there is approx. 1,800 gallons of aged product in the tank. The OSC observed that two of the 4 sides of the containment wall have been demolished (collapsed?) and the tank is exposed to any encroaching flood water.  As such, the OSC has determined that the contents of the tank pose a threat of release of petroleum products to a navigable waterway of the U.S. 

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

There is one PRP, the son of the former owner who is now deceased.  He has previously demonstrated to not have the financial resources necessary to conduct a removal action.

2.1.4 Progress Metrics

Waste Stream Medium Quantity Manifest # Treatment Disposal
 #6 oil
          
           
           


  2.2 Planning Section
   

2.2.1 Anticipated Activities

The OSC is investigating oil removal services that would take the contents of the tank in lieu of payment for T & D services, i.e. at no cost to the government.  Absent those arrangements being made, the OSC will contact the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and obtain funds from the Coast Guard.  The OSC will mobilize an EPA ERRS contractor to the Site and remove/dispose of the contents of the tank.

 2.1.1 Planned Response Activities

See above.

2.2.1.2 Next Steps

See above.

2.2.2 Issues

None.
  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
  See other web sites at www.EPAOSC.net for other BioTech Mills site information.